Prayers for Country Leaders and Key Workers
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1)
A journalist voiced his frustration when he saw people in other countries going about their daily lives while the coronavirus spread rapidly in his own: “We were screaming this message to the world when some countries kept playing and carried on living normally: look at what is happening to us! You need to stop and go inside.” Each country responded to the virus differently, because of political and geographical boundaries. But as believers in Jesus concerned about disease and the welfare of others, we can pour out our concern to God, who isn’t limited by borders.
The apostle Paul knew the power of praying to God, which he stressed in his letter to his protégé Timothy: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1). Paul wanted Timothy to admonish the people to continue to pray, not only for themselves but for “kings and all those in authority” (v. 2). Paul sought for all people to know God through Jesus (v. 4) and saw prayer as part of our calling in that mission.
We may feel powerless in times of crisis, but as we pray for people in our country and around the world, we can trust that God hears us. And as we pray for key workers and those in authority, we can believe that through our prayers God will spread hope and bring about change.
King of kings and Lord of lords, You are God over all the earth and have sovereignly appointed the leaders of my nation. I bring them before you now asking for Your wisdom and guidance as they make the decisions that will affect all of us. Inspire them to walk in integrity, to work for righteous causes, to uphold justice and equity. Give them compassion for the weak, wisdom in receiving and managing information, skill in decision-making, discernment as they speak and act, strength and resilience in their bodies and minds, and the energy to carry on for as long as is required. For Your glory and our good, Amen.
Dear Lord of heaven and earth, I thank You for the men and women around the world who are working on developing medicines and a vaccine for the Coronavirus. I praise You for providing these people with the gifts, talents and insights to seek and find Your physical protection against this illness. I ask that You would lead them, direct them and be their guide in their essential work. May the vaccine be created at unprecedented speed during this unprecedented crisis. Please protect those who volunteer for trials, and may the results show effective treatment that can be shared around the globe. This world is in Your mighty hands, and I look to Your healing touch now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Compassionate and heavenly Father, I lift our schools before you; the teachers, staff, governors and local councils who are trying to manage teaching and caring for their pupils in this time of fear, isolation and social distancing. When there are no right answers, be the light for the path ahead. Oh mighty Lord who parted the Red Sea, make a way ahead for those who see no possible way forward. Please give the teachers across the nation strength to endure as they make daily sacrifices to provide for the scared and anxious children in their communities. Make schools a safe haven; a place where staff and children can find comfort and reassurance. In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Mighty God, Creator of all things thank You for our access to medical care, especially now. I am so grateful for the skills and abilities of the medical profession who have given up so much to care for the sick. Be especially present with them as Coronavirus continues to be a threat. Give them strength to endure, encourage them as they seek to bring healing, powerfully protect them and their families from the virus. We ask for cooperation and harmony amongst their teams, wisdom to make the right decisions, compassion and care for the suffering, resilience in the face of death and disappointment, and joy as they agents of your healing. We ask for Your rich blessing to be upon them through Your Son Jesus, Amen.
Loving heavenly Father, thank You for those looking after us in practical ways during this time of difficulty and uncertainty. I pray for the key workers who have continued to put themselves in harm’s way by carrying on with their jobs in the midst of this pandemic. I lift them before You, asking for Your strong protection for them and for the members of their family. Many of them have not had a break in months, may they know Your peace and rest. As more of society opens up, may the role they have played not be forgotten or overlooked. I ask You to bless them, encourage their spirits, and refresh their bodies and minds. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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