Dear Healthcare Friend,

We want to say “thank you” and “God is with you.” As you are on the front lines of responding to the fears, anxieties, and potential cases of COVID-19, as well as all other health concerns at this time, we wanted to send you a note and lift you up in prayer. A hymn comes to mind:

“We come to you for healing Lord, of body mind, and soul,

And pray that by your Spirit’s touch we may again be whole.

As once you walked through ancient streets and reached toward those in pain,

Come, risen Christ, among us still with pow’r to heal again.

You touched us through physicians’ skills, through nurses’ gifts of care,

And through the love of faithful friends who lift our lives in prayer.

When nights are long with wakefulness, through days when strength runs low,

Grant us your gift of patience, Lord, your calming peace to know.

We come to you, O loving Lord, in our distress and pain,

In trust that through our nights and days your grace will heal, sustain.”

We Come to You for Healing, Lord – ELW #617

We believe that God is working through you, and that you are the hands and feet of a loving God, caring for a hurting world. We believe that God will help you through whatever comes your way. And we believe that God is with you- even if the situation feels bleak or if the anxiety, pain and fear feels too much to bear. So please know we carry you in prayer, and thank God for your selfless gifts of service to the world.

– Our prayers are with you –

God you are our refuge and strength, our present help in time of trouble. We call on you today, in the midst of the global spread of COVID-19, to bring your peace, presence and hope into our lives. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, while we cannot command or possess your power, we still pray that you may come to our aid. Heal those who are sick with the virus. Receive into your everlasting arms those who have died, and provide peace to those who critically continue to struggle. Comfort the families who worry and grieve. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Loving God, your compassions never fail and your mercies are new every morning. Heal us from suffocating fear, selfish pride, claims of invulnerability, panicked anxiety, and from the roots of our despair. Guide us all to be good neighbors, seeking to help each other in times of need. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Caregiving God, be with all your caregiving instruments as they respond: the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who work among the sick. Give them courage and peace even as they put themselves at risk in the process. Strengthen them in body, mind and spirit, and encourage them even when their efforts seem futile. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shepherding God, be with the leaders of all nations and communities. Give them foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them sound judgment to know how to respond appropriately, and wisdom as they work together to bring peace and healing on earth. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Emmanuel, God with us, whether we are home or away, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In our pain, our weariness, and our anxiety, surround us with your care, protect us by your loving might, and permit us once more to enjoy health and strength and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

In Christ,

Pastors Alicia & Ben Hilding

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, New Prague