O Lord God, heavenly Father,
by our evil doings and constant disobedience
we have deserved your punishment,
but for your name’s sake spare us.
Restrain everything that would harm us
and protect your suffering people,
that your Word may be declared faithfully
and without hindrance, and that we,
amending our sinful lives,
may walk obediently
to your holy commandments;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Source: Freely modified from The Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, 1917, 1918.
O God,
you do not desire the death of sinners,
but you want them to turn to you and live.
Look with pity on the weakness of our mortal nature.
Deliver us from this pestilence.
Do not treat us as our sins deserve,
but look on us in mercy
and return your blessings to us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Source: Modified from a Mozarabic Collect.
God most high and holy,
all things are in your hands.
Your holy Word invites us
to trust in you
and to be fearless
even when the earth gives way,
when the mountains fall into the sea,
when the waters roar and foam,
when nations are in an uproar,
and even in the valley of the shadow of death.
Hear the cries of your people
as we live in a world full of fear.
With your unlimited power,
with your boundless presence,
with your knowledge of all things,
fill our hearts
with your peace that surpasses understanding.
When things are uncertain,
and crises are unseen,
draw us to you,
to your certain Word and promise,
to your dear Son who suffered for us,
and to your enduring promise
never to leave us or forsake us.
Strengthen,
encourage
and uphold us
in these difficult
and confusing times.
Fill us with faith in you,
with desires to serve our neighbors in love,
and to be strong and take heart
as we wait for you to work your good purpose
for the good of those who love you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Source: Paul C. Stratman, A Collection of Prayers, March 16, 2020, during the COVID-19 / Corona Virus crisis.
A Collection of Prayers 