Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 ESV)

As this COVID-19 virus is exploding globally each day, we need to see an even more explosive growth of prayer by the Church in this hour. We do not operate out of fear or panic, but we can’t deny that we are in time of great urgency. The sense of urgency for prayer has only been growing in my heart with each passing day. Church, this is our hour to pray. As I wrote in a previous blog post, we are clearly in a new season that we must be aware of and respond to properly. God is sounding the alarm clearly and loudly for His bride to awake from her slumber.

What We Must Be Praying for in This Hour

While there are many important things we can be praying for at this time, I sense a great urgency to call the Church to be in daily prayer for these things:

Pray for an End to the Spreading of COVID-19

The numbers we are seeing each day are staggering. As of today, there are over 640,000 cases worldwide and almost 30,000 who have died. There is little sign that this is slowing down. Let us pray specifically for the end of this virus.

Pray for a Cure and Vaccine to Be Found

Pray for the pharmaceutical and research companies who are testing for possible vaccines. Pray that there will be a breakthrough soon and proper medication would be created that would provide relief for those infected.

Pray for Healing and Comfort

Pray that God would heal the hundreds of thousands who are sick and suffering because of this virus. With almost 30,000 who have died globally because of the virus, many more are mourning their loss. Pray that those who have lost loved ones would be comforted as they grieve the loss of these precious family members.

Pray for Strength and Protection for Healthcare Professionals

Not enough can be said about the heroic efforts that are being done right now for our healthcare professionals. They are literally risking their lives to provide care for the sick. The physical, emotional, mental and relational toll that they are under is unprecedented in our lifetime. Pray for God to strengthen each one of them, as well as their family members. Pray for grace to cover over their spouses and children too.

Pray for Wisdom for Leadership

Pray that God would give divine wisdom and right counsel to our local and national governing leaders. Regardless of your political views, we are called by God to cover our leaders in prayer. (1 Timothy 2:2) We are all in uncharted territory and need to extend much grace to our leaders as they seek to make the right decisions and the tough calls.

Pray for Love and Compassion to Grow

There has been an increase of racist acts and hate crimes against Asians due to the fact that the virus started in Wuhan, China. We naturally want to blame someone for our suffering. We want to focus on our anger and frustration on someone or something. And unfortunately, Asians are being targeted. Pray that love and compassion for one another would grow as we realize we are all in this together. “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) Pray that hatred would decrease and a spirit of compassion and kindness would grow in our communities.

Pray for Patience and Joy at Home

With millions around the world staying at home, we need to pray for much peace and patience to fill our homes. Many parents are experiencing the challenges of homeschooling or online learning while appreciating teachers more and more with each passing day! Pray for eyes to see each other and this season as a gift. Pray for joy that isn’t dependent on circumstances but rises above it.

Pray for Hearts to Turn to Christ

Pray that this difficult season would be used to turn hearts to Christ. My followers of Christ look to Him each day, humbly dependent upon Him. Let us make the place of prayer our home. Let us pray for our nation and this generation to return to the Lord. Pray for those who have yet to know Christ to find the peace that only He can give. Pray for those who filled with worry, fears, and anxiety come to the Savior who alone is the hope of the world. May the peoples of all nations know Christ and sing His praises.

Therefore, Church, let us pray.

Pray

  • Pray individually. Deepen your time before God in this season. Pray as you wash your hands. Pray as you spend time with your children. Pray as you watch the news.
  • Pray as a family. If you haven’t started yet, now is the perfect time to begin family devotions as you pray for each other and the world in this crucial hour.
  • Pray in small groups (online). Pray with your church community. Pray with your family members in other cities. Use this time to comfort, bless, and intercede for each other - together.

Fast

  • Fast a meal or a day per week. Prayer and fasting go together in Scripture. And in seasons of crisis, God often calls His people to humble themselves through prayer and seek His mercy. I will be fasting each Wednesday. If you’d like to join me, know that you will not be alone in our hunger for God and for a breakthrough together.
  • Fast as a group. Consider a corporate time to fast and pray together as a church or small group. We are in a very unique season and must seek His heart together.

Creation is groaning. The world is grieving. The Church must be praying.​

Church, let us pray.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 ESV)

This post was originally published on Eddie Byun's blog.