August 5, 2020 | Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, NCNW National Chaplain and President of Skinner Leadership Institute
Compassionate and Merciful God, whose unfailing love knows no bounds, we come to you today on behalf of those suffering hardships through no fault of their own. Loving God, 37 million of your children today are unemployed, 4.8 million are infected, 158,000 dead from the devastating coronavirus and from government inaction, indifference, and inattentiveness to the cries of those suffering indescribable hardships and unimaginable suffering. We petition you, as well, on behalf of the millions reporting their households lack food, are behind in their rent, and are now facing eviction in the world’s wealthiest nation.
Lord, the decision to provide a lifeline of emergency jobless funds is now before lawmakers who have the power to immediately address these significant hardships. Merciful Maker of heaven and earth, you hold the hearts of the rulers and decision-makers in the palm of your hand. Bend down O Lord and hear. Reach down, O Righteous Savior, on behalf of those made vulnerable by an invisible, life-shattering virus, exposing historic health inequities that cause Black and Brown people to get sicker and die quicker than anyone else. Act quickly, loving God, on behalf of first responders and essential workers daily in harm’s way.
Lord, on their behalf of children soon returning to school, we pray your hedge of protection over their lives and the lives of teachers and family members alike from COVID-19. Today, we who are called by your name, stand in the gap and cast their burdens and the burdens of all who face financial and health challenges on you, for your promise to sustain them. We pray for all who mourn today as deaths from the pandemic mount nationwide daily touching people of every background, for your promise to comfort them. Give ear to their cries; be the provision for their needs, be joy in their sorrows, and the opener of doors shut to the supply of help they need, for you are the Giver of every good and perfect gift. In your strong and powerful name, we pray, Lord God. AMEN