Pandemic Prayer

Each year on Labor Day Sunday morning, the Elders wrap up our sum­mer adult Sunday School series by leading a Prayer Walk around our church grounds.  As we turn the corner into the fall ministry season, we call upon God to lead and provide for his church.

But this year, since we’re not meeting on site for Sunday School, we decided to ask our staff, Elders, Deacons, Deaconesses, and other leaders to list their top prayer requests for our church.  They’ve done this, so “let us pray”!  Here's our collection of prayer requests.

As I look over the requests that we all contributed (and each person did this independently), I see some common themes.  For example, if you’re reeling at the social unrest and racial tensions and political rage of our times, and if you’re feeling the weight of global conflicts and poverty and suffering… our list might feel a bit aloof.  But the list is intended to focus on our ministry—how we can serve the Lord and care for each other and (also, of course) reach out to a hurt­ing world.  The emphasis is on our life together and praying for each other.  Still, let’s not neglect praying for the needs of a hurting world (I love the way that operationworld.org gives guidance for that).

Covid-19 looms LARGE in this call to prayer.  We are all feeling the weight of walking through a pandemic, and the prayer requests reveal a deep love for our church and a longing to see Goshen thrive in and beyond these Coronavirus times.  There are many prayer requests for safety and health and protection, and for the isolated and lonely.

The needs of families dealing with at-home education and virtual learning are big concerns as well.  We pray for children and parents walking this road—and for teachers teaching virtually.

The return to some familiar programs (e.g., women’s and men’s Bible studies) and the launching of some new initiatives (e.g., our Drive-In Kids Club) are on our minds.  We want to gather and serve and grow together, yet we’re conscious that things will feel different this fall.  In the midst of it all, let’s pray that God will help us to be still and rest in his presence and care, and to be assured that he is at work for the good of his church and the glory of his name—even now.