Litany in the Time of COVID-19

The litany below was written in a time of COVID-19.  It can be used as is or adapted for use as a call to worship, opening prayer, pastoral prayer, etc.

Let us pray:

Paul wrote these words so long ago: “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans. [Rom. 8:26-NIV]

And surely, we are the ones without words, silent before the immensity of the pandemic.

We offer our despair at the suffering of millions of people all over the world

We offer our grief for the many thousands who have died

We offer our concerns for the families and dear ones of those left behind

Luke wrote that in the time of Jesus: (he) Jesus told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. [Luke 18:1]

And so we pray that you might intercede for us…

Lifting up the medical workers and researchers,

The leaders who ponder with sad heart how best to move forward,

The teachers and students who struggle to learn and grow through virtual learning

The families separated by quarantine and social distancing

Psalm 27 tells us “to take heart and wait for the Lord”, trusting that you will bless:

The pastors and counselors who strive to do your deep work across the virtual divide

All those who rise to work and volunteer so that others might be safe

We, your people who wait for your Word as we wait for you, in faith.

Give us peace            give us hope               give us courage

© Rev. Lise Sparrow, 2020

Lise Sparrow is pastor of Guilford Community Church, United Church of Christ in Guilford, VT.