In Christ Alone - Prayer re COVID-19

A number of people have asked for the prayer that we used to close our service on March 15, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Feel free to share this. 

View the SEMC response by clicking on this link. 

We encourage you to pray this prayer repeatedly, centering yourselves on Jesus Christ. 

The full text of the prayer can be found here: 

Prayer for Our World amid COVID-19

(adapted by Deve Persad from americamagazine.org – March 2, 2020)

Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.

Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through your favourable grace and through timely and quality medical care.

Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.  Drive out that fear by infusing us with your self-less, generous love.

Forgive us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders and blinds us to the needs of those most vulnerable among us. Deepen our compassion to see men, women and children as you do.

Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.  Grant us the peace of your presence, and use us to bring to your peace to others.

Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know the comfort of your peace.

Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.

Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together for the good of all people.

Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.

Jesus Christ, heal us.