Hello again everyone. I pray you are all doing well in these hard times. Today I  am going to do something different. Throughout the last two weeks, I have seen many different kinds of leaders come forward to encourage us all to pray. From well-known Pastors, to the Pope, to the President of the United States. I know that I could have easily written about how we should not only join in to pray but also encourage you to asks others to join as well. Instead, God has told me to pray with you all here. I care for each of you and, more importantly, God cares about you too. So, please join me in this prayer.

Dear God,

            Thank you, Lord, for everything you do for us. Thank you for allowing me to have a place where I can share your word and your love. I am blessed to live in a country where I do not have to be afraid to look for you. I am blessed to have so many amazing people in my life and I ask you to bless them and protect them, Lord.

            We are living in difficult and scary times. Many are afraid and angry. Many people question as to why this could be happening. I, myself, do not know the answer. However, I choose to trust you, God. In your word it says,

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

            Even in these hard times, we can take comfort that you are with us and that good can come of this. May we use this time to come closer to you. May we see the need for your presence in our lives and may the desire to get to know you grow stronger every day. May we use this time to comfort one another, love one another, and encourage one another just as it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15:

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.”

I pray that You show our leaders what they must do. That they may have the wisdom to do what is best for us all. I pray that you give strength to those in the medical field. This is a time of high stress for them and they need you more than ever. May you give them the energy, the love, and strength they need to get through these hard times.

            I know that you are with us, Jesus. It is because of you that we can have peace. I ask that you help us all get stronger in you. That as we get to know you more, that we may be more like you. We may not be perfect, God, but we are saved by the blood of Christ.

            May we use this time to share your word with others. Those who do not know you, are afraid of the darkness of this world. You are the light that shines within us. May we share with others the love that you have to give so that they may also live in Your light. Give us the words we are to speak so that others may see who you are.

            Lastly, I pray that we do not forget to continue to be thankful, Lord. I know some of us may be dealing with difficulties in our lives, be they in our finances or our health. Yet we have so much to be thankful for. You bless us even though we may not deserve it. You continue to love us and care for us and I want to thank you for that. May we never forget the cross. We thank you, Jesus, for loving us and for giving your life for us, so that we may be saved. Thank you, God.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.