Prayer Resources for the Coronavirus

Join us in praying for all those globally who’re facing change, uncertainty or loss due to COVID-19.

As we pray, hold onto the fact that God is our Heavenly Father who we can turn to in times of struggle. He is faithful and unchanging. And know that together with Compassion-supported children around the world we’re praying for you.

Come alongside children, families and churches in prayer

As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, the Compassion global family are coming together and rising as one in prayer. We would love you to join children around the world, our church partners and staff teams in this united effort.

Here are some of the latest prayer requests and needs from the children, families and church partners we serve: 

Africa 

• “The government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is working extremely hard to ensure that all citizens are safe. Health prevention guidelines have been disseminated and re-emphasised ... Social distancing and health hygiene are also being emphasised. Even with all this, it is a personal responsibility. We are on our knees praying for wisdom and safety for each other. God is our refuge.” Lenny Mugisha, Compassion Uganda National Director  
• "We will keep monitoring the situation in the slums and respond to needs as they arise. We appreciate your prayers for strength and courage and for God to protect the children and their families." Ken, Compassion Kenya Social Worker

• “My prayer for the health practitioners [in our country] is that they don't contract the COVID-19 as their health is important to that they can serve patients better. I pray that this pandemic ends quickly." Jeanette Nikuze, Compassion Rwanda graduate and pharmacist (above)
• Our partners in Ethiopia are praying that God will heal people who are ill with COVID-19. Please also pray that our Father God will provide wisdom to the people in government as they try to mitigate the spread of the virus and its social and economic impact on the country. 
• “Please pray for our leaders, anyone sitting on the decision making table to have wisdom to provide contextual solutions. Also pray that the Church will be the Church. The Church should not operate from fear.” Richmond Wandera, Compassion graduate, Ugandan Pastor and Compassion UK Trustee

Asia

• Compassion Bangladesh is asking us to pray that God would provide wisdom and peace to the children and their families who fear the potential spread of COVID-19. Please pray for the staff as they provide the children and communities with hygiene supplies and education on preventive measures for COVID-19. " As markets are running dry of hygienic items, the desperation continues to grow in our village,” shares Rakhi, Compassion Bangladesh Social Worker

• “The entire Philippines is in total lockdown in order to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus … The fear really in the Philippines is that if this virus gets into a person who lives among the poor living in crowded slum areas, this would be really disastrous for everybody. So that is something that we need to pray for, that is something that the government is really watching out for, and that is something that we in Compassion International are closely monitoring.  "Why? Because most of the children we work with live in such communities. Small houses that are about 12-15 square metres where 6 or 9 or 10 people live together." Noel Pabiona, Compassion Philippines National Director 
• Compassion Indonesia requests we pray for all the pregnant mothers they’re supporting through Child Survival interventions as they seek support and care in the middle of the COVID-19.
• Thailand’s government has declared a state of emergency as a result of COVID-19, restricting mobility across the country and banning unnecessary cross-provincial movements. Please pray for protection, health, and provision for the staff, children, families, and communities in Thailand.

Latin America 

• “My prayer biggest request is that none of the children, who are my responsibility as a church pastor, may be affected … [Crying] I can’t imagine seeing one of my children infected or one of my staff who continue providing the food … When we get to know them, their needs are what hurts the most. I believe that God is the one who takes care of them, where we can’t reach, the power and grace of God is there to protect them and cover them.” Pastor Rossio, leader of one of Compassion’s partner churches, Atahuichi, Boliva 
• "In Ecuador we are in constant prayer for the children, their families, our sponsors, our team and Compassion staff worldwide. We cannot forget that God is good, and He always protects us. " Compassion Ecuador Senior Manager of Partnerships, Roberto Bravo. 
• "…May God [let] us be together again, and also that God in his infinite love will keep all of us safe." Jefferson, Age 15, El Salvador 

• "...I have also felt alone and sad, but I have prayed to the Lord and I have seen His power in my life. I motivate you to trust God and not to be afraid. Amen. God bless you!" Nataly, Age 9, Colombia 

5 Focuses to guide you in praying for the impact of COVID-19

1. For the most vulnerable around the world, including those living in poverty

Father God, we pray that you would protect those in our world who are most vulnerable to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We lift up the elderly, those with pre-existing health conditions and those without access to good medical care. We pray they would know your peace, comfort and protection. Father, would you bring healing to those who are already sick.

Lord God, we pray particularly for countries in our world who have less resources and infrastructure to respond to the Coronavirus. Lord God, in your might and power would you stop the virus from spreading in some of the most vulnerable communities in our world. Give governments great wisdom as they put in preventative measures. We pray for any cases to be identified and isolated quickly. In Jesus name, Amen.

2. The Church

Father God we pray for churches to be a light and support to their communities during this time of uncertainty. We pray people would know they can look to their local church for help. We pray you would help churches who are having to re-imagine how to do mission during this season.

Loving God, we pray you would help us as the church to love our neighbour. Help us to point others towards your love with our practical acts of love and compassion.

Lord, we pray particularly for Compassion’s local church partners around the world. We ask that you would empower and equip them as they seek to continue supporting children and families. Grant them great innovation as they look to continue offering Compassion’s programme in alternative, compliant ways where possible such as home visits and in smaller gatherings.

We thank you for our church partners who have been running Coronavirus awareness workshops for children and their families. May their efforts be hugely effective in increasing awareness of preventative health practices. Amen.

3. Governments and policy makers

Father God, we pray for great wisdom for our government and health advisers. Lord God, please guide their decisions and help them to communicate plans clearly. We pray they would make decisions which would quickly and effectively stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Sustain our leaders and grant them energy during a time where they will be working long hours under great stress and strain. In Jesus’ name, amen.

4. Health workers and medical researchers

Father God, we pray for health workers around the world. We give thanks for the incredible NHS staff here in the UK. Lord would you sustain and keep them during these times. Grant nurses, doctors and other health professionals great wisdom as they make medical decisions and give them energy and resilience as they work long hours.

Father God, we pray for your blessing over medical researchers who are searching for a vaccine for the Coronavirus. Give them your wisdom and insight. Speed their work and make it effective in protecting lives. Amen.

5. Those who are particularly lonely and fearful

God, we thank you that your perfect love casts out all fear. We lift up those in our communities and further afield who are feeling gripped by fear during these times. We pray where there is fear, your peace would reign. Amen.

ARTICLE TAGS:
Answered prayer, Coronavirus, Prayer