“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).” How descriptive is this passage of your life? Lord, may it be so for me. In light of this command of scripture to be thankful in all circumstances I thought it right to write a prayer of thanks for the various circumstances created by the Coronavirus.
Gracious Father, I spend this day in gratitude to you. I give to you thanks and praise for your grace and peace even in times of trial and hardship. Our world has been gripped by a virus that has brought fear, sickness and even death to many. For those that are suffering from this virus I do ask that you bring healing and protection upon their lives. Heal them according to your name and glory. I also pray for those who are without a job, struggling to put food on the table, or pay the rent. Lord, please give us today the daily bread that is so needed.
Yet Lord, for all of the suffering and pain that this virus has brought, I cannot but help give thanks to you for some of the circumstances created by its wake.
• I am grateful for this time that families have to spend together in a world that so often tears them apart. May this time create in us a new passion for our families.
• I am grateful for the doctors and nurses who work in the hospital. And I am also grateful for all the people who work at stores, or the counter at drive-throughs, or deliver the mail, and the many other jobs that are often taken for granted. May this time teach us how to rightly respect and appreciate each other.
• I am even grateful for having to wear a mask for it confronts our world’s preoccupation with attractiveness and looks. May this time teach us to see others without comparing or judging.
• Though I grieve for those sick in nursing homes and worry about our elderly, I am grateful that this virus has reminded us how vulnerable, important, and loved are our elderly. May this time teach us how to respect and love them better.
• Though I grieve for those who have lost their jobs and are in great need, I am grateful for how the shutting of shops and malls confronts our materialism. May this time cause us to look to you and not to things.
• Though I grieve for the shutting of industry which creates so many needed jobs, I give thanks that the land and air can enjoy its sabbath rest. May this time teach us about the gift of sabbath for both people and your creation.
• Though I grieve that the church community cannot meet, I give thanks to you for this time of new learning and new growth of how to reach out to people who do not know the Gospel of Jesus our Lord through the tools of radio and internet. May this time fuel in us a zeal and passion for your Gospel.
Lord, I do look forward to the time when there is no longer any sickness in the land. I look forward to that time when people are blessed by jobs, schools are back in session, and we can hug and great each other at church. I pray that that day may not be far off. But Lord, may we remember the things we are thankful for today in that day. It is to you that I pray, for you alone belongs all glory, honor and power and I have nowhere else to go. I pray these things so that the name of my Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in Him. Thank you for your grace and peace. Amen.
Pastor Trent Eastman (4/23/2020)
Concerning the Word of Life 