PRAYERS for VIRUS CRISIS
Could it be that God is calling his people, Christians, to repent and turn back to Him?
PRAYER OF REPENTANCE: “Heavenly Father, you always do what is right. But we are covered with shame today. We have sinned against you. You are the Lord our God. You show us your tender love. You forgive us. But we have turned against you. We’ve done our own thing too long. You are the Lord our God. But we haven’t always obeyed you. We haven’t lived by the teachings you gave us through your inspired servants. All of us have turned away from your teachings. Our obedience has been questionable to say the least. You have allowed great trouble to come upon us. You are the Lord our God. But we haven’t asked for your favor. We haven’t turned away from our sins. We’ve refused to pay attention to your word. Lord, you didn’t hold back from bringing this trouble on us. You always do what is right. But we admit we haven’t obeyed you as we should. Lord, you saved your people before. As we repent of our sins, we ask that you save us again from this global virus. Loving Father hear our prayers. Pay attention to the appeals I make to you. Lord, have mercy on us. Do it for your own honor. Our God, please listen to us. We aren’t asking you to answer our prayers because we are godly. Instead, we’re asking you to do it because you love us so much. Lord, please listen! Lord, please forgive us! Lord, hear our prayers! Take action for your own honor. Our God, please don’t wait. Your people belong to you. We humbly ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
*
Father, 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. We humbly ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
*
Our Heavenly Father, as families adjust to everyone being home as businesses and schools close, we ask that You guide people in their new realities. Give spouses grace for each other. Prompt worn-out parents to speak words of kindness and encouragement to their children. Help children find creative ways to experience the beauty of all You have created and continue learning. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
*
Our Father in Heaven, we thank You for Your faithfulness in how you have guided and equipped people in their jobs and have provided in the past. 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. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
*
Almighty Father, we are so grateful for all the people who continue to work each day so that people can eat. We ask that You bless and protect them as they serve. 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. And please protect them all from contracting the new coronavirus. We humbly ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
*
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. Remind people to wash 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. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
BRIEF PRAYERS TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
Prayer for a Heavy Heart
Almighty God, I want to lay before you all that weighs heavy on my heart. Reveal even the sin I am not aware of, Lord. I lay these at your feet and pray your forgiveness on me. I believe you when you say that you wash us whiter than snow. Thank you, Lord, for your unending love for me! Help me start fresh right now to make choices that honor you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Prayer for Peace
Father God, my heart is filled with chaos and confusion. I feel as if I am drowning in my circumstances and my heart is filled with fear and confusion. I really need the strength and peace that only You can give. Right now, I choose to rest in You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Prayer for the Broken-Hearted
Gracious and loving Heavenly Father, my heart is broken but You are near. My spirit is crushed, but You are my rescuer. Your Word is my hope. It revives me and comforts me in especially now. My soul faints, but you are the breath of life within me. You are my help, the One who sustains me. I am weak but You are strong. You bless those who mourn, and I trust You to bless me and my family with all that we need. You will rescue me from this dark cloud of despair because You delight in me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Perseverance
Holy Father in Heaven, Thank You for grace. Please help me move beyond the hurdles that trip me up and give me the strength and wisdom to look up and see the hope I run toward in Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Self-Control
Gracious Father, today I ask forgiveness of all the negative and harmful words I have spoken about myself. I do not want to abuse myself in such a way again. Transform my thoughts and let me understand how marvelously you made me. Change my habits so I use my tongue to speak hope and favor upon my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayer for Loving Like Jesus
Loving Father, I have to thank You for looking beyond my faults and for loving me unconditionally. Forgive me when I fail to love others in the same way. Give me eyes to see the needs of the difficult people in my life and show me how to meet those needs in a way that pleases You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for God’s Direction
All Knowing Father, help me not to lean on my own understanding but in everything acknowledge You so that You can direct my words, thoughts and actions. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Worry
Almighty Father, I am tempted to worry about so many things. Our world is a mess! Forgive me for focusing on anything or anyone but You. Thank You for the Bible that equips and empowers me to live each day. Right now, I declare that You are my only Hope. Please help me remember that You really are in control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for God’s Strength
Almighty Heavenly Father, thank you for your greatness. Thank you that when I am weak, you are strong. Lord, the Devil is scheming and I know he desires to keep me from spending time with you. Don’t let him win! Give me a measure of your strength so that I might not give into discouragement, deception and doubt! Help me honor you in all my ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer When Feeling Inadequate
Kind and Gracious Heavenly Father, Creator of life, thank You for fearfully and wonderfully creating each of us. Thank You for giving us worth in Your eyes. Help us live as the one You uniquely intended us to be. Help us abide instead of strive, living peacefully and joyfully as heirs to Your Kingdom and co-heirs with Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Being Grateful
All-Knowing Father, I am so sorry for the way I complain about my circumstances. Please forgive me for my bad attitude when things don't go my way. I want to see Your hand in every part of everyday - good or bad. Help me learn how to face every storm with confidence, knowing that You really are in control even though I cannot hear Your voice or see Your hand at work. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Prayer of God’s Provision
Gracious Father God, Thank You for Your unfailing love for me, Your blessings, and goodness. Thank You for Your faithfulness to guide me and see me through times of uncertainty, for lifting me up, and setting me on high. Thank You for Scripture that comforts and reminds me of Your promises, plan, and provision. Thank you for taking away my fears and worries, the what-ifs, and reminding me that my help comes from You. Help me be a good steward and to sow wisely. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Prayer for Growing Faith
Dear Heavenly Father, the Provider of all, help me - every single morning - to find faith in the midst of the chaos. Give me the desire and ability to see You, hear You, talk to You, and give thanks to You. And as I do, I pray that I will draw nearer and nearer to You, and that my faith will multiply exponentially as I understand in new, deeper ways that You are everything I ever hoped You would be. And so much more. Amen.
TWELVE STEP PRAYERS
Serenity Prayer: God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the ability to know the difference.
First Step Prayer: Dear Lord, I admit that I am powerless over my addiction I admit that my life is unmanageable when I try to control it. Help me this day to understand the true meaning of powerlessness. Remove from me all denial of my addiction.
Alternate Prayer: Today, I ask for help with my addiction. Denial has kept me from seeing how powerless I am and how my life is unmanageable. I need to learn and remember that I have an incurable illness and that abstinence is the only way to deal with it.
Second Step Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know in my heart that only you can restore me to sanity. I humbly ask that you remove all twisted thought and addictive behavior from me this day. Heal my spirit and restore in me a clear mind.
Alternate Prayer: I pray for an open mind so I may come to believe in a Power greater than myself. I pray for humility and the continued opportunity to increase my faith. I don't want to be crazy any more.
Third Step Prayer: Father God, I offer myself to You to build with me and to do with me according to Your will. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Your will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Your Power, Your love and Your way of life. May I do Your will always!
Alternate Prayer: Take my will and my life, Guide me in my recovery, Show me how to live.
Fourth Step Prayer: Loving Father, it is I who has made my life a mess. I have done it, but I cannot undo it. My mistakes are mine and I will begin a searching and fearless moral inventory. I will write down my wrongs, but I will also include that which is good. I pray for the strength to complete the task.
Fifth Step Prayer: Almighty God, My inventory has shown me who I am, yet I ask for your help in admitting my wrongs to another person and to you. Assure me, and be with me, in this Step, for without this Step I cannot progress in my recovery. With your help, I can do this and I will do it.
Sixth Step Prayer: Dear God, I am ready for Your help in removing from me the defects of character which I now realize are an obstacle to my recovery Help me to continue being honest with myself & guide me toward spiritual and mental health.
Seventh Step Prayer: Almighty God, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here to do Your bidding.
Eighth Step Prayer: Almighty Father, I ask Your help in making my list of all those I have harmed. I will take responsibility for my mistakes and be forgiving to others as You are forgiving to me. Grant me the willingness to begin my restitution. This I pray in Jesus name.
Ninth Step Prayer: Loving Father, I pray for the right attitude to make my amends, being ever mindful not to harm others in the process. I ask for Your guidance in making indirect amends. Most important, I will continue to make amends by staying abstinent, helping others and growing in spiritual progress.
Tenth Step Prayer: I pray I may continue: To grow in understanding & effectiveness; To take daily spot check inventories of myself; To correct mistakes when I make them; To take responsibility for my actions; To be ever aware of my negative and self-defeating attitudes and behaviors; To keep my willfulness in check; To always remember I need Your help; To keep love and tolerance of others as my code; and To continue in daily prayer how I can best serve You, Almighty God.
Eleventh Step Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I understand You, I pray to keep my connection with You open and clear from the confusion of daily life. Through my prayers and meditation, I ask especially for freedom from self-will, rationalization and wishful thinking. I pray for the guidance of correct thought and positive action. Your will, Father, not mine, be done.
Twelfth Step Prayer: Father God, my spiritual awakening continues to unfold. The help I have received I will pass on and give to others, both in and out of the Fellowship. For this opportunity I am grateful. I pray most humbly to continue walking day by day on the road of spiritual progress. I pray for the inner strength & wisdom to practice the principles of this way of life in all I do and say. I need You, my friends and the program every hour of every day. This is a better way to live.
Could it be that God is calling his people, Christians, to repent and turn back to Him?
PRAYER OF REPENTANCE: “Heavenly Father, you always do what is right. But we are covered with shame today. We have sinned against you. You are the Lord our God. You show us your tender love. You forgive us. But we have turned against you. We’ve done our own thing too long. You are the Lord our God. But we haven’t always obeyed you. We haven’t lived by the teachings you gave us through your inspired servants. All of us have turned away from your teachings. Our obedience has been questionable to say the least. You have allowed great trouble to come upon us. You are the Lord our God. But we haven’t asked for your favor. We haven’t turned away from our sins. We’ve refused to pay attention to your word. Lord, you didn’t hold back from bringing this trouble on us. You always do what is right. But we admit we haven’t obeyed you as we should. Lord, you saved your people before. As we repent of our sins, we ask that you save us again from this global virus. Loving Father hear our prayers. Pay attention to the appeals I make to you. Lord, have mercy on us. Do it for your own honor. Our God, please listen to us. We aren’t asking you to answer our prayers because we are godly. Instead, we’re asking you to do it because you love us so much. Lord, please listen! Lord, please forgive us! Lord, hear our prayers! Take action for your own honor. Our God, please don’t wait. Your people belong to you. We humbly ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
*
Father, 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. We humbly ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
*
Our Heavenly Father, as families adjust to everyone being home as businesses and schools close, we ask that You guide people in their new realities. Give spouses grace for each other. Prompt worn-out parents to speak words of kindness and encouragement to their children. Help children find creative ways to experience the beauty of all You have created and continue learning. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
*
Our Father in Heaven, we thank You for Your faithfulness in how you have guided and equipped people in their jobs and have provided in the past. 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. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
*
Almighty Father, we are so grateful for all the people who continue to work each day so that people can eat. We ask that You bless and protect them as they serve. 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. And please protect them all from contracting the new coronavirus. We humbly ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
*
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. Remind people to wash 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. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
BRIEF PRAYERS TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
Prayer for a Heavy Heart
Almighty God, I want to lay before you all that weighs heavy on my heart. Reveal even the sin I am not aware of, Lord. I lay these at your feet and pray your forgiveness on me. I believe you when you say that you wash us whiter than snow. Thank you, Lord, for your unending love for me! Help me start fresh right now to make choices that honor you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Prayer for Peace
Father God, my heart is filled with chaos and confusion. I feel as if I am drowning in my circumstances and my heart is filled with fear and confusion. I really need the strength and peace that only You can give. Right now, I choose to rest in You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Prayer for the Broken-Hearted
Gracious and loving Heavenly Father, my heart is broken but You are near. My spirit is crushed, but You are my rescuer. Your Word is my hope. It revives me and comforts me in especially now. My soul faints, but you are the breath of life within me. You are my help, the One who sustains me. I am weak but You are strong. You bless those who mourn, and I trust You to bless me and my family with all that we need. You will rescue me from this dark cloud of despair because You delight in me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Perseverance
Holy Father in Heaven, Thank You for grace. Please help me move beyond the hurdles that trip me up and give me the strength and wisdom to look up and see the hope I run toward in Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Self-Control
Gracious Father, today I ask forgiveness of all the negative and harmful words I have spoken about myself. I do not want to abuse myself in such a way again. Transform my thoughts and let me understand how marvelously you made me. Change my habits so I use my tongue to speak hope and favor upon my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayer for Loving Like Jesus
Loving Father, I have to thank You for looking beyond my faults and for loving me unconditionally. Forgive me when I fail to love others in the same way. Give me eyes to see the needs of the difficult people in my life and show me how to meet those needs in a way that pleases You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for God’s Direction
All Knowing Father, help me not to lean on my own understanding but in everything acknowledge You so that You can direct my words, thoughts and actions. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Worry
Almighty Father, I am tempted to worry about so many things. Our world is a mess! Forgive me for focusing on anything or anyone but You. Thank You for the Bible that equips and empowers me to live each day. Right now, I declare that You are my only Hope. Please help me remember that You really are in control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for God’s Strength
Almighty Heavenly Father, thank you for your greatness. Thank you that when I am weak, you are strong. Lord, the Devil is scheming and I know he desires to keep me from spending time with you. Don’t let him win! Give me a measure of your strength so that I might not give into discouragement, deception and doubt! Help me honor you in all my ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer When Feeling Inadequate
Kind and Gracious Heavenly Father, Creator of life, thank You for fearfully and wonderfully creating each of us. Thank You for giving us worth in Your eyes. Help us live as the one You uniquely intended us to be. Help us abide instead of strive, living peacefully and joyfully as heirs to Your Kingdom and co-heirs with Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer for Being Grateful
All-Knowing Father, I am so sorry for the way I complain about my circumstances. Please forgive me for my bad attitude when things don't go my way. I want to see Your hand in every part of everyday - good or bad. Help me learn how to face every storm with confidence, knowing that You really are in control even though I cannot hear Your voice or see Your hand at work. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Prayer of God’s Provision
Gracious Father God, Thank You for Your unfailing love for me, Your blessings, and goodness. Thank You for Your faithfulness to guide me and see me through times of uncertainty, for lifting me up, and setting me on high. Thank You for Scripture that comforts and reminds me of Your promises, plan, and provision. Thank you for taking away my fears and worries, the what-ifs, and reminding me that my help comes from You. Help me be a good steward and to sow wisely. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Prayer for Growing Faith
Dear Heavenly Father, the Provider of all, help me - every single morning - to find faith in the midst of the chaos. Give me the desire and ability to see You, hear You, talk to You, and give thanks to You. And as I do, I pray that I will draw nearer and nearer to You, and that my faith will multiply exponentially as I understand in new, deeper ways that You are everything I ever hoped You would be. And so much more. Amen.
TWELVE STEP PRAYERS
Serenity Prayer: God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the ability to know the difference.
First Step Prayer: Dear Lord, I admit that I am powerless over my addiction I admit that my life is unmanageable when I try to control it. Help me this day to understand the true meaning of powerlessness. Remove from me all denial of my addiction.
Alternate Prayer: Today, I ask for help with my addiction. Denial has kept me from seeing how powerless I am and how my life is unmanageable. I need to learn and remember that I have an incurable illness and that abstinence is the only way to deal with it.
Second Step Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know in my heart that only you can restore me to sanity. I humbly ask that you remove all twisted thought and addictive behavior from me this day. Heal my spirit and restore in me a clear mind.
Alternate Prayer: I pray for an open mind so I may come to believe in a Power greater than myself. I pray for humility and the continued opportunity to increase my faith. I don't want to be crazy any more.
Third Step Prayer: Father God, I offer myself to You to build with me and to do with me according to Your will. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Your will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Your Power, Your love and Your way of life. May I do Your will always!
Alternate Prayer: Take my will and my life, Guide me in my recovery, Show me how to live.
Fourth Step Prayer: Loving Father, it is I who has made my life a mess. I have done it, but I cannot undo it. My mistakes are mine and I will begin a searching and fearless moral inventory. I will write down my wrongs, but I will also include that which is good. I pray for the strength to complete the task.
Fifth Step Prayer: Almighty God, My inventory has shown me who I am, yet I ask for your help in admitting my wrongs to another person and to you. Assure me, and be with me, in this Step, for without this Step I cannot progress in my recovery. With your help, I can do this and I will do it.
Sixth Step Prayer: Dear God, I am ready for Your help in removing from me the defects of character which I now realize are an obstacle to my recovery Help me to continue being honest with myself & guide me toward spiritual and mental health.
Seventh Step Prayer: Almighty God, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here to do Your bidding.
Eighth Step Prayer: Almighty Father, I ask Your help in making my list of all those I have harmed. I will take responsibility for my mistakes and be forgiving to others as You are forgiving to me. Grant me the willingness to begin my restitution. This I pray in Jesus name.
Ninth Step Prayer: Loving Father, I pray for the right attitude to make my amends, being ever mindful not to harm others in the process. I ask for Your guidance in making indirect amends. Most important, I will continue to make amends by staying abstinent, helping others and growing in spiritual progress.
Tenth Step Prayer: I pray I may continue: To grow in understanding & effectiveness; To take daily spot check inventories of myself; To correct mistakes when I make them; To take responsibility for my actions; To be ever aware of my negative and self-defeating attitudes and behaviors; To keep my willfulness in check; To always remember I need Your help; To keep love and tolerance of others as my code; and To continue in daily prayer how I can best serve You, Almighty God.
Eleventh Step Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I understand You, I pray to keep my connection with You open and clear from the confusion of daily life. Through my prayers and meditation, I ask especially for freedom from self-will, rationalization and wishful thinking. I pray for the guidance of correct thought and positive action. Your will, Father, not mine, be done.
Twelfth Step Prayer: Father God, my spiritual awakening continues to unfold. The help I have received I will pass on and give to others, both in and out of the Fellowship. For this opportunity I am grateful. I pray most humbly to continue walking day by day on the road of spiritual progress. I pray for the inner strength & wisdom to practice the principles of this way of life in all I do and say. I need You, my friends and the program every hour of every day. This is a better way to live.