National Day of Prayer Carona Virus

Pray for an end to the virus’ spread.

The Coronavirus did not take God by surprise; He is still governing and sustaining the world (). Pray for God’s healing mercy and that He would graciously bring this pandemic to an end. Pray for healing for all those affected by the virus.

Colossians 1:17 NKJV

17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

Pray for government leaders.

At all times, Christians are called to pray for those in positions of authority (). This is especially true during a time of national emergency. Pray for the President, Vice President, governors, mayors, and all those making decisions related to public health and safety. Pray for a spirit of bipartisanship as lawmakers work together to protect people.

1 Timothy 2:2 NKJV

2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

Pray for church leaders.

Pastors around the country are making difficult decisions related to public worship and the safety of their members. Pray that pastors will have wisdom to faithfully shepherd the congregations under their care, even if they are unable to physically gather (). Pray that Christians will love their neighbors well during this time ().

1 Peter 5:2 NKJV

2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

Mark 12:31 NKJV

31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Pray for the vulnerable.

Authorities tell us that those immunocompromised people are especially at risk as the virus spreads. Pray for protection for the elderly, diseased, and those facing financial hardship. Pray for students who are being required to vacate university and college housing with very little notice. Over the next few weeks, there will be many opportunities to meet tangible needs. Pray that God’s people meet these opportunities with wisdom and grace ().

Matthew 25:35–40 NKJV

35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Pray for honest reporting.

Christians should pray for those in the news media. Pray that reporters and journalists would accurately report updates about the status of the virus, and not seek to peddle conspiracies, politicize the threat, or stoke fear where it is unwarranted.

Pray for a spirit of generosity.

During this time, churches will face a loss of income at a time when there are many opportunities to meet physical needs. Pray that God’s people will manifest a spirit of generosity and sacrificially give of their time and resources to meet needs that will arise ().

2 Corinthians 9:6–8 NKJV

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Pray for a posture of trust.

Scripture teaches us that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control (). Pray for enduring faith during this season of heightened fear, anxiety, and confusion. Appropriate precautions should be taken, but Christians must continue to rely on God and trust His purposes and plans ()

Romans 8:

Pray for the spread of the gospel.

Romans 8:28 NKJV

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Pray for the spread of the gospel.

In this time of great anxiety, pray that God’s people would be ready to meet the world with the comfort and hope that only the good news of Jesus Christ can offer