A Call To Prayer
April 27, 2020

 A Prayer

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2 Amen. 

“A Prayer Book for Australia”

 What We Do

We vow to pray daily for the spread of Christ’s Kingdom, for God’s blessing on the work of our Order, for the spiritual growth of our parish. Let us pray for the many projects in the Church and community.

 

Opening Prayer

Dear God, source of all life, health and healing, as we embrace this Easter season celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, look with compassion on our world, protect us in the midst of the grave challenges that attack us and in your Godly providence grant recovery to the stricken, strength to those who care for them, and success to those working to eradicate this plague. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the Coronavirus To Stop Spreading

Almighty God, we know that everything is in Your sovereign control. We ask that You keep this new coronavirus from continuing to spread. Give government officials the ability to safely handle people arriving from other countries. Help people decide to stay home instead of traveling or going out needlessly. Holy Spirit, remind people to was their hands properly. And while it may be heartbreaking, comfort families as they decide to keep their distance from elderly or other high-risk family members.      Amen.

  

Prayer For People Who are Infected or Facing Quarantine.

Jesus, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses.

Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them.  Amen.
 

Prayer for Medical Professionals, Caregivers, Aids, Technicians, First Responders and Researchers
God, as more people get sick, healthcare workers and first responders are working longer hours with fewer supplies and with more risk of contracting the new coronavirus themselves. Renew their energy and sustain them on long shifts. Bring Your protection upon them as they work with patients. Multiply their supplies so they have the protective items needed to stay safe on the job.

Inspire and invigorate the research doctors developing better tests to diagnose the virus, create vaccines to prevent it, and identify protocols to eliminate the disease’s spread. Amen.

Prayer for Protection for People at Higher Risk of Developing the Disease
Dear Lord, we lift to You our concern for people who are more likely than others to become severely ill from COVID-19 — the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Protect them from harm and be their comfort in this time of uncertainty and, for many, preventive isolation from loved ones. Amen.

Prayer for Leaders Responsible for Making Decisions

Gracious God, , we seek Your wisdom daily. Be with people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities, countries, and the wider world. We pray that they communicate clearly, truthfully, and calmly with each other and with the public and that their messages are received and heeded. May truth and empathy be the touchstones of people setting policies for our protection. Amen.

Prayer for Business Owners, Grocery Store Workers, Delivery Drivers and Families Facing Financial Stress
Jesus, we thank You for Your faithfulness in how you have guided and equipped people in their jobs and have provided in the past. Give them grace to handle disgruntled customers during supplies shortages. Keep their bodies healthy as they unload and stock boxes of supplies. Keep their cars and trucks running smoothly as they deliver needed supplies and food people have ordered online. It can be scary and overwhelming not knowing how bills and obligations will be met or to not be able to provide for families. As people feel financial strain during the uncertainty, bring them comfort and peace, reminding them that You are there for them. Provide for them in their times of need. Amen.

 Gospel Lesson and Reflection

Mark 4:35-41 “Jesus Calms the Storm”

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

The Gospel of our Lord.