Prayer during COVID-19

Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has called for fervent, daily prayer for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the spiritual health of Australia.

Index of Prayers

Other Links:

Prayer Book services, read by retired Archbishop Glenn Davies - Also listen on spotify and apple music

Kids Pray - from Youthworks

Common Prayer for Homes

 

Prayer for outreach during lockdown

Gracious God and loving heavenly Father,
We praise you that you are not locked down but reign over all things;
We praise you that you know the end from the beginning;
We praise you that our times are in your hands.

Father though we are locked down, cut off and isolated from one another,
You have drawn near to us in in your Son, the Lord Jesus
who comes to bring us forgiveness and new life.
You are close to the broken hearted and set your angels around those who fear you.
You come to us by your Spirit who lives in us, to help us in our prayers, and to bring forth in us the fruit that pleases you.

Hear our prayers for those who are sick, and for those who care for them:
Bring healing, strength and protection.
Hear our prayers for those who grieve:
Bring the comfort and hope of the gospel.
Hear our prayers for the anxious, the fearful, and the lonely:
Bring the assurance of your love and presence.
Hear our prayers for those under pressure, feeling stressed or overwhelmed:
Bring your peace that transcends understanding.

Loving God, would you help us reach out to one another,
in loving care and with the gospel of hope.
Provide for all people in their need, make us generous, and give us perseverance in our trials,
So that all may come to know of your love and your Son would be honoured in every community as Lord and Saviour.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Lockdown prayer

Father we come before you with aching hearts. Father we live in this beautiful world but it is damaged by our sin and we need you. The Corona virus is spreading so quickly, so far & wide.

Please contain the virus, give your wisdom, energy and perseverance to the testing & contact tracing teams, our leaders making decisions that have such a huge impact on our community We especially pray for our leaders at this time, Scott Morrison our Prime Minister and Gladys Berejiklian, our Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant.

Please also protect our workers in essential services - teachers, police, those in aged care, doctors, nurses, paramedics, retail workers, so many roles Lord - Uphold them when their spirits and energy levels flag and anxiety rises. Where there are Christians in these roles may they be your instruments of peace, showing constant love and kindness, ever ready to give a reason for the hope they have in you.

We pray for those who are fearful, those living in abusive relationships or with serious financial challenges, those who are lonely, isolated, sick or in pain or grief. By your presence, protection and provision please bring them your peace.

Psalm 73 reminds us: Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (v.25-26)

Father we pray for those nations, especially our near neighbours like Indonesia, Fiji & Papua New Guinea, where the CORONA virus is running rampant & the distribution of aid is impeded by inadequate health care systems, corruption, lack of resources. May wealthy nations like ours be generous in sharing with those who are poor, may we be generous to others in need.

We pray for our parishes and churches at this time. Lord you said, “I will build my church”, we ask you Lord to fulfil your promise even in the Covid season, may our parishes and churches grow and be strengthened at this difficult time.

We know more Australians are thinking about the meaning of life than was the case before Covid, and more are turning to prayer. Lord help them to find the Living Hope of the Lord Jesus at this time.

We pray for our Diocesan organisations at this time, and we remember Youthworks and Anglicare.

For Youthworks we pray as presently SRE in schools and Christian camps for schools and churches cannot meet. Please Lord, bring an easing in restrictions so these important ministries can resume.

For Anglicare we thank you that our Chaplains in Hospitals, Prisons and Aged Care are still working and can care and support patients, inmates, residents and staff while family visits are not permitted. At this Covid time may your love, care, hope and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be shared with all those in need.

In Jesus name. Amen

Prayer for Afghanistan

Almighty God, 

Creator and preserver of our world. We pray today for peace. 
Have mercy on our broken and divided world and banish the spirit that makes for war. We ask that leaders of nations and governments will pursue freedom, justice and the welfare of all people. 

We pray especially for all affected by the escalating turmoil and tragic events in Afghanistan. Help the leaders of nations to protect the vulnerable and to establish justice and peace. Restrain the forces of evil and protect men, and especially women and children from Taliban forces. 

We also pray for Christian brothers and sisters in Afghanistan. Preserve their lives and strengthen their witness in this land of deep spiritual darkness and despair. 

We pray for Afghan refugees who have made Australia their home and for those who are anxious about family in Afghanistan.  Comfort them we pray and may they know the hope and peace that is found in our Lord Jesus.

And we pray, Father, for the veterans of our Defence Force who have served in Afghanistan, and their families. Sustain these men and women who have served our country. May they receive the care and support they need at this time of disappointment and discouragement. 

Heavenly Father, in an uncertain world, please turn the hearts of all people to your Son Jesus Christ our Lord and to the peace that passes all understanding. 

We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 

Prayers for India

For Wisdom and calm 

Sovereign Lord, you are the hope and healer of your people and have promised a world where there is no more sickness or crying or death.

By your death and resurrection you have set your people free from the penalty of sin and death.

We pray your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Please prosper the work of those who developing, producing and administering vaccines for the coronavirus and any new variants, please strengthen those who are treating the sick, please comfort those who are mourning the loss of loved ones or living in fear of this disease.

Please give to governing authorities wisdom in their management of this crisis, and give to your people your peace beyond understanding, generous and wise hearts and a renewed trust in your sovereign goodness and glory.

Turn the hearts of many now experiencing fear and anxiety that they they may find that peace which is the fruit of the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.

For Governing Authorities in India

Lord of heaven and earth. Give wisdom to all those in authority in every land and especially for those who govern India.

We pray especially for President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government.

We pray for those who govern all the States and Union Territories and the districts within them. Give them all wisdom and wise counsel, that they may lead their communities to respond to this crisis with calm and generosity. Assist them to govern for the good of all.

Enable India’s leaders to properly resource and support all the necessary services in such a way that their communities maintain peace and safety.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

For God’s mercy and care for those facing Coronavirus in India and elsewhere

Dear Loving Father,

You are the loving God of all the nations and peoples on this earth. Please look with mercy and compassion on all you have created.

This day we ask for your help. Please deliver us from the coronavirus and limit its impact on India, Australia and the world.

In your mercy bring a swift end to this crisis. Please protect with your loving care those we love – our families, friends and neighbours; those who are near and those who are far away. Let your fatherly hand guide, shelter and strengthen them. Cast out all anxious fears and doubts.

Give us an increasing trust in you and fill our hearts and minds with your peace.

We pray for those around the world now struggling with COVID-19 and especially at this time for the nation of India. Heal and comfort those who are sick and suffering. Protect and guide the health professionals who are at the front line.

Please give wisdom and courage to those who bear responsibility for confronting this challenge.

We ask these things through the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

For the nations, our leaders and health workers.

Our heavenly Father, we come before you with contrite hearts, yearning for your comfort and your grace. In the midst of COVID-19 spreading across the globe, we ask in your mercy that you would stop this plague and restore harmony and health to the nations, and especially Australia.

We thank you for all those who have dedicated their lives to serving our community, for health workers, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and especially those who labour in laboratories developing, testing and producing vaccines for the Coronavirus and its variants. Give them wisdom, skill and patience in their work, and by your grace, give them success in all their endeavours.

We also pray for those who govern us, for our Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers, for their courageous leadership and national cooperation across States and Territories. Grant them wisdom in their decisions as they navigate the threats to lives and livelihoods. We also pray for our police force, our emergency services and defence force personnel as they seek to maintain order in our country. May all Australians respect their work, accept the limitations on our freedoms and seek the welfare of others, for the good of all.

And we pray for ourselves and our families, especially those who have lost loved ones to this disease, or those suffering from its effects. May we know the peace that passes understanding, as we place our trust in Jesus, in whose powerful name we pray.
Amen.

For Wisdom and calm

Sovereign Lord, you are the hope and healer of your people and have promised a world where there is no more sickness or crying or death.  

By your death and resurrection you have set your people free from the penalty of sin and death.  

We pray your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Please prosper the work of those who are  developing, producing and administering vaccines for the coronavirus, please strengthen those who are treating the sick, please comfort those who are mourning the loss of loved ones or living in fear of this disease.  

Please give to governing authorities wisdom in their management of this crisis, and give to your people your peace beyond understanding, generous and wise hearts and a renewed trust in your sovereign goodness and glory.  

Turn the hearts of many now experiencing fear and anxiety that they they may find that peace which is the fruit of the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray, Amen.

On God's Sovereignty

Heavenly Father, I praise you as the sovereign Lord of the universe. I praise you that, to you, the nations of the world are like a drop in a bucket and like the dust on the scales. I am so thankful to know that you own the cattle on a thousand hills, and that nothing is too hard for you. I thank you that you care for me—that you number even the hairs of my head, and that all the days ordained for me were written in your book before any of them happened.

I thank you that you can be trusted. And I do trust you.

Help me to trust you more.

Thank you that the coronavirus, and all the frightening circumstances popping up around it, are not frightening to you. Thank you that you know everything there is to know about this virus.

Thank you for this desperately needed reminder that we need you. Lord, I confess that I spend so much time thinking and acting as if I were self-sufficient. Forgive me. Help me to remember that I depend on you for everything I need, whether I feel healthy or sick, whether the global economy is healthy or sick. Use this time to teach me to trust you more during good times and bad.

Father, please pour out your common grace on our world to halt this virus in its tracks. All things are possible for you, Father. And so I ask for healing for a sick world.

Please heal those who are already ill. Please protect the elderly and others who are especially vulnerable to this virus. Please intervene to slow the spread of this virus in countries all over the globe.

Please give wisdom, insight and knowledge to scientists and researchers as they search for the most effective treatments. Thankyou that vaccines have been quickly discovered, tested, developed, and made available. Protect us from new variants of the original virus.

Please give wisdom to all rulers and officials who are making vital decisions and who are under such enormous pressure. Guide their hand so they make decisions based on both truth and love. Please withhold power and influence from anyone who would use this time for selfish gain of any kind.

Please be with church leaders making big decisions that will affect so many of your people and their fellowship together. Please give them wisdom on how to best listen to governing authorities and to respect the directions that are given, while still caring for one another and prioritizing the need to encourage one another as we see the day of Christ drawing near.

Wherever regular gatherings are interrupted, please provide ways for your people to stay connected to one another, and please strengthen us to care for one another in creative and genuine ways. Please be especially gracious to those who are already lonely and who may feel particularly isolated during the weeks ahead.

Loving heavenly Father, at a time of great need, please pour out your saving grace on our world and bring people into your kingdom in an extraordinary way.

Please use this virus, and all the circumstances surrounding it, to bring people to their knees. Turn people’s hearts and minds back to you in repentance and faith. Enable us all to see that, for too long, we’ve based on our life on shifting sand. Bring people all over the world – whether for the first time, or in a fresh way – to turn to the Lord Jesus as their Rock, and to put their hope and trust in him.

Thank you that, no matter where we have wandered or how long we’ve run from you, you are always ready to welcome us back through Jesus and what he’s done for us.

Please help me to be strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged, because you are near. Help me not to be anxious, but to present all my requests to you in prayer. As I do that, may your peace guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

At a time where it feels like the whole world is changing, I praise you, Father – for you never change. I praise you, Lord Jesus, for you are the same yesterday, today and forever.

A global prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, 
You are the God of all compassion and comfort. We thank you that you listen to our prayers. We pray today for our world, our nation, our city and our church as the Coronavirus spreads. 
Please bring help to all our communities according to their needs. Heal those afflicted and strengthen all who have the responsibility for care. In your mercy, please provide a cure and give wisdom to those seeking to develop a vaccine for this condition. 
We pray, too, for ourselves. Enable us to walk by faith. Help us to be careful and wise in taking whatever precautions are necessary to limit and contain the spread of this virus. Strengthen us to remain calm while vigilant; responsible citizens seeking the welfare of others above ourselves. 
At times of uncertainty and anxiety, help our world to look to security in your Son, Jesus Christ. And give courage to Christians as we point others to the One in whom there is always hope. 
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

For Governing Authorities

Lord of heaven and earth. Give wisdom to all those in authority in every land. We pray especially for Queen Elizabeth and Our Prime Minister Scott Morrison. We pray for Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Lord Mayor Clover Moore. Give them wisdom and wise counsel, that they may lead our communities to respond to this crisis with calm and generosity. Assist them to govern for the good of all.

Enable our leaders to properly resource and support Police, Ambulance, and Fire services in such a way that our communities maintain peace and safety.

For God's People

Lord God, we give thanks that you are always attentive to the prayers of your people. We pray for your people throughout the world, and for those here in Sydney. Strengthen us for our witness and work in the world. Assist your people to boldly confess our trust in Jesus, and speak of your grace and glory to our anxious and fearful world.

For Health Care Services

Lord God, please prosper the work of those who are seeking a vaccine for the coronavirus. Strengthen those who are treating the sick, and comfort those who are mourning the loss of loved ones or living in fear of disease. Protect health care workers from both infection, and the anxious frustrations of the patients they are treating.

For Our City and Wider Community

We commend to your keeping, Father, ourselves and each other; our families and our neighbours; our friends and all the people of this city. By your Spirit enable us to live in love for you and for one another.

Help us to lay aside our own concerns. Focus our attention and care upon all who are most vulnerable and isolated among us. May we first pursue the good of those who are most anxious, fearful, sick, and the lonely. May we mirror to others, the Fatherly attention and care you daily show us.

For Future Hope

Sovereign Lord, you alone are the hope and healer of your people. You have promised us the hope of a world where there will be no more sorrow, sickness, or dying. Comfort and heal, merciful Lord, all who are in sorrow, need, sickness, or any other trouble.

By Jesus death and resurrection you have set your people free from both the penalty of sin and the fear of death. Give us a firm trust in your goodness, and bring us into the joy of the bodily resurrection, and the fulfilment of all your precious promises. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

For God's mercy and care

Dear Loving Father

You are the loving God of all the nations and peoples on this earth.  Please look with mercy and compassion on all you have created. This day we ask for your help. Please deliver us from the coronavirus and limit its impact on Australia and the world. In your mercy bring a swift end to this crisis.Please protect with your loving care those we love- our families, friends and neighbours. Let your fatherly hand guide, shelter and strengthen them.Cast out all anxious fears and doubts.

Give us an increasing trust in you and fill our hearts and minds with your peace. We pray for those around the world now struggling with COVID-19. Heal and comfort those who are sick and suffering. Protect and guide the health professionals who are at the front line.Please give wisdom and courage to those who bear responsibility for confronting this challenge. We ask these things through the powerful name of Jesus, Amen

A prayer for Australia in a time of pandemic

Great God and Heavenly Father,
Please come powerfully to our nation in these dark and difficult days.
Please slow the spread of this virus throughout our land, and please protect the vulnerable from its deadly touch. Please lay your healing hands upon those who are now infected—please restore them to health and strength.
Please comfort the families of those who have died from this disease. Please fill their hearts with your presence and gather around them friends, family and neighbours who will comfort and support in their time of loss.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the gift of modern medicine, and thank you for the passion and dedication of medical staff everywhere.  Please give each one of them your wisdom in every decision they make; please protect and sustain them, and give them the strength, energy and courage they need to carry on.
Please guide the minds of our leaders in the decisions they make that will affect all our lives. Please lead them to act wisely, carefully and in the best interests of all Australians. Please shine your light on the path ahead.
Please draw close to the anxious hearts and troubled minds of those who now face great financial stress; please protect them and their families from long term economic damage and guide them day by day and step by step through this crisis.
Please give each one of us the calmness and wisdom we need to carry us, together, through the days, weeks and months ahead.
Please plant into the heart of every Australian the spirit to love our neighbours as ourselves, to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in caring for those around us—friends and strangers alike—as you draw our community together in love.
Please, loving Heavenly Father, draw especially close to those who are alone or troubled at this difficult time. Calm their troubled hearts, and move their friends, family and acquaintances to call them to encourage and support them. 
Thank you, Heavenly Father, that you understand our suffering for you too have suffered—you have seen your beloved Son suffer rejection, humiliation and death on the cross to rescue us from the powers of darkness.
Please bring great good out of this great evil; please remind each of us that we do not need to make the journey of life on our own, in our own strength, but that you are here, as close to us as our own breath, to fill our hearts with your love, surround us with your powerful protective arms and guide us in your path.
And we ask all these things for this country, and these people, we love in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

For our schools, teachers and students

Heavenly Father,

You are worthy of all praise as the one who created all things, sustains all things and is moving all things towards the glorious conclusion you have planned for them. We thank you especially for sending your Son, that through him we have forgiveness and life and hope. Thank you for your wonderful plan of redemption and for fellowship we now have with you through your Son and in your Spirit.

Father, our world is broken and we are more aware of that than ever as a result of this COVID pandemic. We long for that day when every tear will be wiped away, when death will be no more, and there will be no more grief or pain. But we know we are not there yet and we pray that you might enable us to live as your light in the midst of this darkness, testifying to your continued goodness and the hope that has been secured for all your people through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

We pray that you might sustain us in all that you have given us to do in this moment. Especially we pray for those involved in education and training. As our schools seek to continue their important work in stressful and difficult circumstances, would you please keep teachers and students safe, and help them to care for each other. We pray for those who are  facing critical points in their education, particularly those preparing for their final exams and assessments towards the HSC, and ask for a diligence in study that is surrounded at every point by a calm confidence in you and your provision.

We pray for those training for Christian ministry in this context. Please enable them to grow in faith and love and in the knowledge of your word. May they be shaped by you in ways which will prepare them well for what lies ahead on the other side of this pandemic. Would you pour out your Spirit and enable a new season of evangelism, Christian growth and healthy church life to emerge in the months ahead.

Father, all our hope is in you. We trust your promises and look forward to the day to come when the Lord Jesus will return to bring all your purposes to their fulfilment.

It is in his name that we pray. Amen