You’ve probably heard the news: That in the wake of growing number of community cases of COVID-19, the Government has rolled out a slew of tightening measures, with a second Circuit Breaker not being ruled out.

With pre-event testing needed for groups of between 100 and 250, Churches will realistically be limited to 100 congregants per service, with congregational singing – a privilege we’ve only just recently began to enjoy – not allowed for the rest of May.

At such times, the tendency is to feel really helpless, because it seems that no matter what safety measures are in place, no country – not even ours – seems to be able to come to grips with the virus and its variants.

We feel helpless when there’s nothing we can do – but there is something we can do. We can pray.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6-7)

While we await more announcements and figure out the implications of the new tightened guidelines, we encourage you to come together at your family altar, or over Zoom with your close Church community, to pray daily about the situation. 

Here are some prayer pointers to guide you:

1. PRAY FOR THOSE AFFLICTED.

• Pray for healing in His mercy.
• Pray in particular for those with pre-existing conditions, who are most vulnerable.
• Pray that the clusters don’t spread further into the community.
• Pray for the loved ones of those afflicted – that they experience peace that passes understanding.
• Pray for the downtrodden – those economically or emotionally affected by the pandemic. Listen to His prompting – is there someone you can tangibly help in this season?
• Scripture to pray: 2 Kings 20:5. “This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.”

2. PRAY FOR THOSE IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR AND AT OUR BORDERS.

• Pray for protection at the front lines as they do their needful work.
• Pray for renewed strength as they face yet another extended high-key stretch.
• Pray for wisdom and inspiration for the key medical decision-makers as they tackle this new surge.
• Scriptures to pray: Psalm 138:7. “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.” Psalm 5:11. “Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”

3. PRAY FOR THE GOVERNMENT.

• Pray for wisdom for our key decision-makers, as they make huge decisions with life-or-death implications.
• Pray for our civil servants, to be able to efficiently execute the safety measures nationwide.
• Scripture to pray: Daniel 2:21. “He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”

4. PRAY FOR THE CHURCH.

• Pray that despite the tightening measures, we will still be able to gather to worship.
• Pray for your church leaders. Work with them – they too are doing their best to adapt to the fresh guidelines.
• Pray for your church premises. Speak a prayer of protection over the grounds and all who gather within.
• Scripture to pray: Psalm 91:3-4. “Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

5. FINALLY, PRAY FOR YOURSELF.

• Pray that this situation will bring you to a place where you will choose faith over fear.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help to keep your eyes on Jesus as He perfects our faith even amid such circumstances.
• Pray for open spiritual eyes, that you will see people and communities in need.
• Pray for divine discernment, that you will understand the times and the appropriate response.
• Scripture to pray: Psalm 75:3. “When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.”

As you tune in to the Holy Spirit, He’ll probably lead you to certain other prayer items. For example, is there a nation He’s placed on your heart for you to keep in prayer? Is there a certain friend or group on the margins that you have a huge burden for? Is there a community your Church has been placed within to cover in prayer?

While the world simmers in fear and hopelessness, let faith and prayer arise in the Body of Christ. Now, more than ever, the Church needs to arise as a House of Prayer for all peoples (Isaiah 56:7). 

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