COVID-19 epidemic prayer requests
Praying together for those impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic
Church of the Good Shepherd has a long history of prayer and action for those in need. During this time of the COVID-19 outbreak, our Prayer Chain members invite you to submit the name(s) of anyone in need of prayer, whether they’ve been exposed to the virus, or they have symptoms or have tested positive, or have a job that puts them in danger of being exposed, and if they are struggling emotionally.
If you would like to add someone to our Prayer List, submit your prayer request online. Our Prayer Chain will keep all prayer requests strictly confidential. If their situation changes, or they no longer need prayer, please use the same link to update us on their status.
Please find below A Prayer Amid an Epidemic for your own use during these difficult times. You are invited to pray it anytime on your own. If you would like to pray it with others, please pause daily at noon wherever you are to pray the words on behalf of all the world.
Let us recall the words of the Apostle Paul to the believers at Philippi: Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
A Prayer Amid an Epidemic
By Kerry Weber
Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.
Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.
Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.
Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow. Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.
Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.
Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.
Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.
Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.
Jesus Christ, heal us.
Turning a sad, untimely death into good for the world
Donna Heaney is offering an opportunity to do away with many single use plastic bags for free! Here is her powerful story: “When my son Tom suddenly died from a heart attack while walking his sister’s dogs, he was living with my daughter Sharon and her husband Stephen in Florida. . Sharon had a hard time coping with her grief and started sewing shirt shaped coasters for people to take from his Memorial Service as a way of healing, which blossomed into the lunch and snack bags of today. They help eliminate the use of plastic bags as they can be used over and over. Just wipe the waterproof liner out or wash in machine but don’t put them in dryer (apparently it gets ugly). They are free, she doesn’t charge for them! Some people do send her lengths of 100% cotton fabric sometimes in gratitude, which enable her to keep making them. It’s her form of therapy and turning a sad, untimely death into good for the world. If you would like some you can see Donna after the 10 am service, she often has them with her in various fabrics.