Lord, our world is being turned upside down.
Recently had we been asked to identify key players in our society, we might have pointed to CEOs of major multinationals, up-and-coming entrepreneurs of tomorrow’s next big business, companies who employ tens of thousands of people globally.
During this time of gobal pandemic we most likely recognise healthcare workers, teachers, and the police as workers key to the smooth functioning of our society, looking after our health, our education, and our safety. But how many of us would have thought about the young man or the older woman working in our local supermarket? How many of us would have recognised the contribution of those who stock the supermarket shelves as being key to our survival? How many would have included the pizza delivery staff?
Today, we have a new appreciation for those unsung heroes who are doing what they’ve always done. Today, we are realising how important their contribution is. Today, we are grateful that they do the work they do, and we pray to You to give them the strength to carry on. Keep them safe, Lord, and reward them for what they are doing.
Reading: 2 Corinthians 6 1:10
As his fellow-workers, we urge you not to let your acceptance of his grace come to nothing.
As he said, 'At the time of my favour I have answered you; on the day of salvation I have helped you'; well, now is the real time of favour, now the day of salvation is here. We avoid putting obstacles in anyone's way, so that no blame may attach to our work of service; but in everything we prove ourselves authentic servants of God; by resolute perseverance in times of hardships, difficulties and distress; when we are flogged or sent to prison or mobbed; labouring, sleepless, starving; in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness; in the Holy Spirit, in a love free of affectation; in the word of truth and in the power of God; by using the weapons of uprightness for attack and for defence: in times of honour or disgrace, blame or praise; taken for impostors and yet we are genuine; unknown and yet we are acknowledged; dying, and yet here we are, alive; scourged but not executed; in pain yet always full of joy; poor and yet making many people rich; having nothing, and yet owning everything.
Give me a new appreciation, Lord, for the value that people add to my life. Help me see past the labels and recognise the person inside.
Other prayer guides:
- For healthcare workers
- For people alone in isolation
- For loved ones who are far away
- For families – that they can deal with the increased stress of confinement
- For leaders of states, countries and communities
- For those working in the food industry
- For those who are grieving over loved ones lost to this epidemic
- For wisdom for scientists and experts who are researching ways to deal with this epidemic.