The following is the text of an email I sent out to the faculty, staff, and families of my school community. I post this as a resource to other pastors or chaplains who may want to send a similar email and resources. Feel free to cut-and-paste and adapt as needed.
How can I be praying for you?
As we enter into uncharted territories personally, culturally, and pedagogically, I want you to know that I am praying for you all, and for your families, and for our broader school family.
All of us will feel many different things as we go through the next few weeks together: Uncertainty and anxiety for the future; Frustration as we try and find a new normal; Worry for vulnerable loved ones; Cabin fever that gets deeper as time stretches out; And a number of other feelings and concerns.
Please know that you are not alone. We are going through it with you. Please know that you are loved, and that we have the strength and wisdom and compassion we need to make it through this together. And regardless of what faith you come from, I believe that the Love of God will continue to sustain us and uphold us during this time. One of the Scriptures that brings me great comfort during times like this is:
Romans 8.35–39 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword [or even COVID19]? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
With this unending, unconquerable, undying Love in mind, I will be praying for you all. If you are so inclined to pray, but may lack the words, I will include a couple of resources below my signature. I will also be going online soon with daily chapel, and will share those resources as I develop them. I hope they help you find comfort and peace, and add structure to a time that can feel both incredibly hectic, but also awfully boring.
If you have any prayer requests, or need pastoral assistance, I am with you during this time. Please don’t hesitate to email, text, or call me [contact info deleted]
May you grow stronger and wiser and kinder each day,
Nate +
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A COLLECT
Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care. Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another. Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.
Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers, community organizers, and political leaders as they seek to heal those affected, help those at risk, and plan long-term solutions that will prevent future outbreaks. In place of our anxiety, may we all know your protection and experience your peace. Amen.
[Adapted from America Magazine]
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All across the world right now
People are feeling what you feel
Love one another
With anxiety for the future
And worry for their loved ones
Love one another
With boredom and cabin fever
Which grows deeper as time grows longer
Love one another
With dismay at empty shelves
Empty streets and empty shops
Love one another
With prayers for wellbeing for their families
And supplications for those who are sick
Love one another
With unexpected childcare and meals to fix
And cries of “Why can’t we go out?!?”
Love one another
With a flinch at every cough
And hesitation when a chill is felt
Love one another
With trepidation at unpaid bills
And terror at missing paychecks
Love one another
With waiting waiting waiting
And worrying worrying worrying
Love one another
With this Litany we address the Lord of Life
Who reminds us again and again
Love one another
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God the Father, your will for all people is health and salvation;
We praise you and thank you, O Lord.
God the Son, you came that we might have life, and might have it more abundantly;
We praise you and thank you, O Lord.
God the Holy Spirit, you make our bodies the temple of your presence;
We praise you and thank you, O Lord.
Holy Trinity, one God, in you we live and move and have our being;
We praise you and thank you, O Lord.
All you Holy Angels, Archangels, and bodiless powers of heaven;
Stand beside us to guide and guard us on our way.
Holy Mary, Mother of God;
Pray for us and the people of the world.
Lord, hear our prayer;
And let our cry come to you.
For all who have died as a result of COVID-19;
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.
For all who grieve the death of family, friends, and citizens;
Give them courage and strength to meet the days ahead, O Lord, and the consolation of your love.
Pour out your healing grace on all who are sick, injured, or disabled, that they may be made whole;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Grant to all who seek your guidance, and to all who are afraid, anxious, or overwhelmed, a knowledge of your will and an awareness of your presence;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Give peace, courage, and hope to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Restore to wholeness whatever is broken by human sin, in our lives, in our nation, and in the world;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Bless physicians, nurses, and all others who minister to the sick and suffering, keep them safe and healthy, and grant them wisdom and skill, sympathy, and patience;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Send down upon our President, Congress, and all political leaders, the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Give wisdom, creativity, and perseverance to all medical professionals, researchers, policy makers, and leaders as they respond to this pandemic;
Hear us, O Lord of Life.
Guide us in finding and developing the resources, medical skill, and political will to contain and end this pandemic;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Open our eyes to see that you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and that our life and death are with each other;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Open our hearts and hands to assist and care for those who will lose their jobs or be affected financially by COVID-19;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Give us compassion for those in need, patience in this time of distress, and love for our neighbors;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Let our hearts be not afraid;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
You are the Lord who does wonders:
You have declared your power among the peoples.
With you, O Lord, is the well of life:
And in your light we see light.
Let us pray:
A period of silence follows.
O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
[Compiled by Fr. Mike Marsh at Philip’s Episcopal Church, Uvalde TX. This prayer uses prayers and adaptations of prayers from: The Book of Common Prayer; and “A Public Service of Healing” in The Book of Occasional Services.]
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MORE PRAYER RESPOURCES
If you would like more resources for prayer, please see our Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, especially our Prayers and Thanksgivings for the world and all who dwell in it. You are also welcome to pray with Anglicans and Episcopalians around the world using our Daily Prayers and Devotions.
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