The Pandemic Prayer by Lisa Burkhardt Worley
As coronavirus cases continue to surge across the globe, the state of our world can leave us feeling helpless. But that’s why we need to step up our prayers like never before. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” So if we believe the Bible, we have to believe that our intercession make a difference. We can win this battle through prayer.
This week, the Holy Spirit gave me a three-fold prayer that we can lift up every day. It’s easy to remember because everything starts with the letter “S.”
Pray for Strength- Isaiah 40:29 says in the New Living Translation that God “gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” Then in Isaiah 41:10 the LORD encourages us again, “Don’t be afraid; for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Many of us might think we’re strong, but when we get broadsided by life, with the undercurrent stress of COVID-19 already present, whatever additionally attacks us can take us down. We have to have God’s strength already running through our veins. In 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 the Apostle Paul said that in the midst of the insults, distresses, persecutions and the difficulties he endured, when he was weak, Christ made him strong.
Pray for Strategy– Despite this dramatic change in the way we function, let’s ask God for a strategy to come through what’s going on, so we’ll still be standing when it ends. Our ministry has changed the way we do just about everything, and because I’ve asked the Lord for His strategy, he has also shifted my personal life in many ways, which includes a move into an additional area of expertise that will require more schooling. I would not have chosen this if I was living according to my plan, but I surrendered my plans to God. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Isaiah 55:8–9 tells us that God may have a plan for our lives that is not even on our radar. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
Listen in the Silence– This is when we ask, “What do you want to say to me during this Pandemic, Lord? What should I learn?” In Luke 5:16, it says that Jesus would often withdraw to desolate places to pray. He removed the noise so He could hear His Father’s voice more clearly. How do we hear God’s voice in the silence? It could be in the form of an impression on your spirit. It may be a gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit,, or possibly an audible whisper like the one that the prophet Elijah heard at Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 19:11–13). Try it! God still speaks today.
Ultimately, by praying and leaving this Pandemic in God’s hands, we tell Him that we trust Him—no matter what happens. When everything around us seems like it is crumbling, He provides an inexplicable stable foundation. Prayer is the answer to surviving the Pandemic.
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you (Psalm 9:10).
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Don’t miss our next POP Chat, this Wednesday, July 29th on ZOOM at 6:30 p.m.. Dr. Lynnette Simm will be teaching about “How to Find Your Peace” and Renee Rollins will lead our worship for this beautiful one-hour of fellowship. Here’s the link to sign up: https://share.hsforms.com/15bHBupdrTBugXxD9Y8Q_MQ3jo4z