Lord, we know that social distancing is the one chance we have to defeat Covid-19, to slow down its spread. But in distancing ourselves from others, many of us are home, alone. Our physical contact with others is limited or non-existent.
For most people, this level of isolation is new. It’s hard to deal with. We're used to meeting people in the street, in the shop, in our workplace, in our church. Activities we have taken for granted - eating in or out with friends, popping around to a neighbour for a cup of tea and a chat, going to concerts or plays – these have all been suspended.
Some of us are still connected to the outside world by phone or Internet. We can still see the faces of our friends and families on our phones or computer screens. We can still hear their voices. But for many, their view of the outside world is limited to the empty streets they can see from their windows.
Bless us in our newfound isolation. Help us cope, knowing that as part of Your family, we are never truly alone.
Reading: John 16 16:33
In a short time you will no longer see me, and then a short time later you will see me again. Then some of his disciples said to one another, 'What does he mean, "In a short time you will no longer see me, and then a short time later you will see me again," and, "I am going to the Father"? What is this "short time"? We don't know what he means.'
Jesus knew that they wanted to question him, so he said, 'You are asking one another what I meant by saying, "In a short time you will no longer see me, and then a short time later you will see me again." 'In all truth I tell you, you will be weeping and wailing while the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. A woman in childbirth suffers, because her time has come; but when she has given birth to the child she forgets the suffering in her joy that a human being has been born into the world. So it is with you: you are sad now, but I shall see you again, and your hearts will be full of joy, and that joy no one shall take from you. When that day comes, you will not ask me any questions. In all truth I tell you, anything you ask from the Father he will grant in my name. Until now you have not asked anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and so your joy will be complete.
I have been telling you these things in veiled language. The hour is coming when I shall no longer speak to you in veiled language but tell you about the Father in plain words. When that day comes you will ask in my name; and I do not say that I shall pray to the Father for you, because the Father himself loves you for loving me, and believing that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world and now I am leaving the world to go to the Father.'
His disciples said, 'Now you are speaking plainly and not using veiled language. Now we see that you know everything and need not wait for questions to be put into words; because of this we believe that you came from God.' Jesus answered them: Do you believe at last? Listen; the time will come -- indeed it has come already -- when you are going to be scattered, each going his own way and leaving me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me. In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous: I have conquered the world.
Dear Lord, help me recall friends and acquaintances who may be alone in isolation so that I can contact them and let them know that they have not been forgotten.
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.