Gracious God. Hear this our prayer in these disturbing times.
We ask you to hear the sounds of those who are
gasping for each breath in hospitals, nursing homes
and old age facilities, and those suffering alone
on the streets of our cities and towns.
Reach out with your healing power
to those who are grieving the loss of loved ones.
Be present to the doctors, nurses and front line careers
who are exhausted from their efforts
in this time of a pandemic that threatens
the lives of so many of your people worldwide.
Strengthen with your wisdom our public government
and health officials who are seeking ways to stop and control
the spread of this virus by encouraging their citizenry
to be calm, reflective and obedient to the restrictions
imposed for the benefit of all.
We make this prayer in your most holy name.
Amen.
— Columban Fr. Mike Dodd
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.