I was recently invited to join an online prayer group of ministers and elders and was asked to offer a prayer of comfort during our time together in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of course I said yes--my Midwest U.S. upbringing would not allow me to decline such an offer--but my heart started racing and my mouth became dry even as I was accepting this invitation.
How do I offer a prayer of comfort during such difficult times? Who do I ask comfort for, and who am I at risk of leaving out? Will my prayer be received in a spirit of humility and deep care and compassion for all who are suffering at this time (while recognizing that some are suffering much more than others), or will it be received as a political statement, meant to further divide a world and nation that is already so deeply divided?
I stepped out in faith and offered a prayer that came from my heart, and I invite you to join me praying this same prayer.
We humbly bow down before you and cry out to you for comfort, mercy and peace that surpasses all human understanding during these difficult times.
Comfort those who are dying from COVID-19 and other ailments as they cannot have loved ones by their side.
Comfort those who have lost loved ones.
Comfort those who are infected with COVID-19 and struggling with other illnesses of the body, mind and soul.
Comfort those who are the helpers, the caregivers and the healers who and are experiencing secondary trauma and illness as a result of their good deeds.
Comfort the teachers, administrators and students.
Comfort the essential workers, those learning a new way to complete their work, and those who have no paid employment.
Comfort those who struggle with isolation and confinement.
Comfort our ministers, elders, deacons, staff, missionaries and other faith leaders.
Comfort political leaders around the globe.
Comfort those who hunger and thirst for righteous and for your presence in their lives.
Comfort those who feel unheard and unseen, and those cast away to the margins.
Comfort those who do not have the privilege of physical distancing, or the right to voice their opinions about physical distancing practices and policies.
Comfort those who live in communities that are disproportionately infected and affected by this pandemic.
Comfort those who struggle to have their daily needs met, whether that be food or clean water, housing, clothing or safety.
Comfort those who experience physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse and cannot distance themselves from their abusers.
Comfort those who live in care facilities—the elderly, veterans, those with disabilities and those in need of rehabilitation and residential treatment.
Comfort those who have fled their homes due to war, violence, drought, famine, natural disasters, climate change, political instability and are seeking refuge, as reasons for displacement do not end when a new global crisis begins.
Comfort those who are survivors of, or are currently experiencing, human trafficking and exploitation.
Comfort those who are far from home and are trying to care for loved ones who live so far away.
Comfort those who are being told “we don’t want you here” but have no other safe place to go.
Comfort those who are in prisons and detention centers.
Comfort those who are experiencing discrimination and xenophobia, including those who are being blamed for COVID-19.
Comfort our children.
As we’re taught in the words of Paul to the church in Corinth:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Comfort each and every one of us, and teach and convict us to comfort others as a faithful response to the compassion and comfort you have shown us.
Amen.
Check out the CRC Office of Social Justice Hear Us Out—Protect the Vulnerable Campaign.
Check out the CRC COVID-19 Resource page.
Check out the Reformed Church in America (RCA) COVID-19 Resource page.
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