Thoughts, Prayers, and Scripture in the Time of COVID-19

Posted by staronthehill on March 23, 2020
Posted in: Pastor's Posts & Resources. Leave a comment

It is the same God who called Abraham into an unknown land, who led Moses and the Israelites through wilderness and into promise, who worked through politics and circumstance to save God’s people through Esther, and who tore through the heavens to proclaim Jesus as beloved Son that is with us still today.  Our realities may change.  God does not. Rev. Regina Hassanally, Bishop of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

God, our peace and our strength, we pray for our nation and the world as we face new uncertainties around coronavirus.  Protect the most vulnerable among us, especially all who are currently sick or in isolation.  Grant wisdom, patience, and clarity to health care workers, especially as their work caring for others puts them at great risk.  Guide us as we consider how best to prepare and respond in our families, congregations, workplaces, and communities.  Give us courage to face these days not with fear but with compassion, concern, and acts of service, trusting that you abide with us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Prayers for Times of Public Health Concern–COVID-19, ELCA

Eternal God, amid all the turmoil and changes of the world your love is steadfast and your strength never fails. In this time of danger and trouble, be to us a sure guardian and rock of defense. Guide the leaders of our nation with your wisdom, comfort those in distress, and grant us courage and hope to face the future; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Prayer for National Distress, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 76, Copyright © 2006 by Augsburg Fortress, Publishers

Bible quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version.

Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.   Deuteronomy 31:6

I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

Even though I walk through the darkest valley [or the valley of the shadow of death], I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me.  Psalm 23:4

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.  Psalm 34:4

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.  Psalm 46:1-3

O Most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me?   Psalm 56:2b-4

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.  Psalm 94:19

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out from their distress; he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they had quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. Psalm 107:28-31

I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.   Psalm 121:1-3

I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, “Do not close your ear to my cry for help, but give me relief!”  You came near when I called on you; you said, “Do not fear!” Lamentations 3:55-57

… do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.  Today’s trouble is enough for today.   Matthew 6:34

… do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.   Isaiah 41:10

Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.  John 14:27

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

Who will separate us from the love of Christ?  Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:35, 37-39

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; read 3-11

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

God did not give us a spirit of cowardice [substitute fear or fearfulness], but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert.  Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, steadfast in your faith….  1 Peter 5:6-9