In Times of Crisis: We Are Our Prayers

Last updated on: March 21, 2020 at 8:33 pm by Darrell Lackey

In Times of Crisis: We Are Our Prayers 2020-03-21T20:33:41-07:00 Darrell Lackey

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Obviously, during a time like this, we need to be listening to the best medical, scientific, and governing voices out there. As any rational person can now attest, those voices do not include Fox News or the president. Do not listen to either. At this point, not listening to those voices will probably save lives. Consider this a public service announcement.

We should also consider spiritual voices. After listening to all these however, beyond the requirements of simply being good and responsible citizens/neighbors, what is our responsibility as Christians in times like these? Many out there become upset when Christians suggest we pray in moments like these, because they seem to think Christians are asserting that’s all we need do. That is, of course, a misunderstanding. As Christians, we believe we are our prayers. As we serve others, as we work, live, and play—we are praying:

What we speak to God, whether out loud or in our hearts, whether formally or contemporaneously, becomes the movement of our bodies and spirits. We pray and we are our prayers.

So, in that understanding, where our feet and prayers meet, I offer that we should pray in moments like these. Pray and work, work and pray. My title is somewhat misleading. Whether in crisis or not, we are our prayers, but especially in times of trouble. Here is a prayer from the Eastern Orthodox tradition, which I’ve revised somewhat for this moment and brevity. Let us pray:

O God, our help in time of need, Who are just and merciful, and Who inclines to the supplications of His people.

Look down upon all those suffering from this virus and have mercy on them and deliver them from the trouble that now besets them.

Deal with us not according to our iniquities, but according to Your manifold mercies, for we are the works of Your hands, and You know our weaknesses.

We pray to you to grant all those suffering from this virus, in whatever form, Your divine helping grace, and endow them with patience and strength to endure their hardships.

Only You know our misery and sufferings, and to You, our only hope and refuge, we flee for relief and comfort, trusting in Your infinite love and compassion.

We then shall rejoice in Your mercy, and exalt and praise Your Holy Name, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Yes, we pray. And then, we continue to listen to the more rational and empathetic voices out there as we move forward and face this time together. Thus, we pick up the phone and call those who are alone. We shop for those who can’t and share with others. We don’t hoard but give. We check on each other, especially the most vulnerable among us. We become our prayers. Or, we should. That’s the point.

We are, after all, most certainly our brother and sister’s keepers.

I have a Patreon Page—please consider supporting my writing.

Previous Post

March 12, 2020

The Pecuniary Over Principle—Mammon Over Morality

Next Post

April 1, 2020 What the World Needs Now

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month April 2025 February 2025 December 2024 October 2024 September 2024 July 2024 May 2024 January 2024 November 2023 September 2023 July 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 December 2022 November 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does Paul tell Timothy to fan into flame?

Select your answer to see how you score.

His zeal The Holy Spirit His faith The gift of God