How to Pray for a Pandemic

Ephesians 6:12  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (ESV)

During a time of crisis, we must remember that our fight is a spiritual one. There is only one way to truly face this beast head-on. Prayer. Of course, there are practical things that we will need to do, but prayer moves and shakes the things that we cannot see. With that in mind, I wanted to provide a guide on how to pray for a pandemic.  It is meant to be just that, a guide. Use it to inspire your own prayers or when you are struggling to find the right words. 

Pray for Our Leaders

Lord, we lift up to you our national leaders and pray that you guide their every decision.

We pray that the President takes appropriate actions for the safety, health, and economic well-being of our people. May his decisions provide the right balance of slowing down the pandemic while not bringing the nation’s economy to a complete standstill. May those decisions be free of politics and personal pride.

We pray for Congress to pass reasonable measures in conjunction with the President. May those measures not be politically driven, but focused on the needs of the nation. May those measures perfectly reflect the health of the nation and its people without overburdening the financial obligations of the government.

We pray for our state and local leaders. We pray their decisions will address and foresee the needs of local communities. May those decisions not be so restrictive that they incite riots nor completely cripple local economies, but be perfectly tailored to protect the health and well-being of all its citizens.

Relevant Article: Battle Plan for Prayer (a guide to organizing your prayers for effective Spiritual Warfare)

Pray for Health Systems and Networks

Lord, we pray for hospitals worldwide. We pray that they will have the means to meet the needs of those requiring medical attention. We pray for wisdom and sound decision making by hospital officials as they manage limited resources and an influx or potential influx of patients.

We pray for the scientists diligently working to study the virus and develop a vaccine. Give them the knowledge necessary to find the answers they need to achieve that goal.

We pray for the doctors and nurses caring for our sick. May you inspire them with the necessary care needed for each individual. We pray for their safety and health as they are on the frontlines of the virus.

Pray for Those That Are Sick

Father, we pray for those that have already contracted the virus. We pray for those that are asymptomatic, that you prevent them from spreading the virus.

We pray for those that are already feeling the symptoms. May they get the medical help they need. May you provide them comfort from their symptoms. May you provide affordable healthcare to all those that need it and free healthcare to those that cannot afford to pay.

May you heal all of them quickly and thoroughly. Lord let this be a time of great miracles and that you may be glorified through all of it.

Pray for Those That Have Suffered a Loss

Lord, we pray that you comfort those that have suffered the loss of a loved one. May you hold them tight in your arms during these difficult times. Reveal yourself to them and let them feel your love and care.

Pray for The Economy

Father, the pandemic can have a secondary but devastating effect. It can greatly slow down economies worldwide and affect the livelihood of people. Lord, we pray that these economic effects will be minimal. We pray for all those that may lose a job or have already lost one. May they find an alternative source of income and resources.

We pray for small businesses in particular. Unlike large corporations, they are less able to weather these storms. Lord, provide them with wisdom and knowledge to innovate as necessary and the financial means to survive the crisis.

Pray for the Church

Lord, we pray for the church to reflect the love of Christ. May we serve. May we be generous. May we show ourselves worthy of the sacrifice your son made for us. May we be the first ones to help in our communities and neighborhoods and bring comfort to those that need it. May we continue to preach the gospel.

Relevant Article: How Christians Should React During a Health Crisis

Pray for the Gospel to Prevail

During these times, Lord we do pray that the Gospel may prevail. May we, as a church, be able to point people to the great Comforter and great Healer. May this time of loss and suffering bring people closer to you. May they find Jesus and healing not only for their bodies, but more importantly, for their souls.

Pray Against Spiritual Forces Behind the Pandemic

Father, we pray against the spiritual forces driving the pandemic and the panic and fear. May you bind their every move and may your mighty angels prevail against them as your angel did in Daniel 10. May the only spirit to prevail be your mighty Holy Spirit.

Pray Psalm 91

Pray Psalm 91 over your family, friends, neighbors, community, state, and nation. There is nothing more powerful than praying scripture as it is the word of God.

You can read the full Psalm here.