“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and PRAY
and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven,
and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Have you ever read the verse that comes right before this famous passage on prayer?
“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people…”
2 Chronicles 7:13 (NIV)
Plagues? Sounds all too familiar, doesn’t it! It is clear that God wants to hear from His people during times of crisis, whether that’s the nation of Israel or the Bride of Christ. Now is the time for the people of God to humble themselves and cry out to God for protection and healing during these days. Will you and your church join us?
Here are a few specific ways to pray for our city, country, and the world during COVID-19:
1. PRAY for our President, Governors, Senators, and Representatives:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our leaders to you. We pray for them to know you, your truth, your mercy, your love, and your goodness. We pray for their discernment, and that they would be filled with humility and surround themselves with wise counsel. We pray that they would follow your guidance with courage, compassion, and with a clarity of thought and speech. We pray that you would be glorified by their leadership actions, and by our acts as followers. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Josh Ellis - UBA Executive Director
2. PRAY for families who have lost loved ones & those who are suffering from COVID-19:
Lord, as we approach your throne of grace I’m reminded of your compassion and how much you love us. John gospel tells us that when you saw Martha, Mary, and the Jews weeping, you were troubled in your spirit and you also wept. So I ask you to have compassion on those family members that have lost loved ones in this pandemic. Give them strength and the assurance that you are the Resurrection and the life.
Victor Marte - UBA Church Consultant
3. PRAY for those who have lost jobs and who are struggling financially:
Dear Heavenly Father, we know that nothing surprises you, and that certainly includes how COVID-19 has impacted so many people, whether it be with illness, anxiety or loss of jobs. We also know that you are willing to help those who are suffering and in need. Your Word says in Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we might receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
I pray today that this promise will soon become a reality for those who have lost jobs or are struggling financially as they approach your throne with assurance and hope. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jeff Chadwick - Mission Centers Houston Executive Director
4. PRAY for our Medical Professionals:
Lord, we pray for medical professionals and their families. We ask that you would protect them physically, mentally, and emotionally as they are taking on extra hours, requirements, and pressures. May your church be an encouragement and an example of Christ’s love for those on the front lines. We pray that you would open opportunities for believing doctors, nurses, and support staff to share the hope of the gospel in these uncertain times. Amen.
Marie Burrus - UBA Communications Specialist
5. PRAY for our First Responders:
Heavenly Father, We know that you are the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. Today reminds us of the new mercies that were made available to us this morning. Lord, we are praying for the first responders during this time of COVID-19. As they continue to serve our communities from the front line, God we ask that you cover and guide them. We pray that they find refreshment in you during this crisis.
We also pray that you will continue to give solace to their families as they send these first responders out to serve and provide for people across the city. Lord, we are thankful for the opportunity to submit our petitions and we find comfort in your sovereign will. It is in the name of Jesus that we pray, Amen.
Lawrence Scott - UBA Church Consultant
6. PRAY for our Pastors and Spiritual leaders:
I pray for our pastors to have your peace and wisdom as they abide in you. I pray for protection for their marriages and families. I pray that you would give them your vision in this season of crisis and opportunity. I pray that they would trust in you as they shepherd, encourage, and mobilize the church to be sent into this incredible harvest season of spiritual need and openness. Amen.
Phil Springer - Trinity Pines Executive Director
7. PRAY for the churches in the Houston area:
Gracious Father, I want to thank you for the gift of the church. You saved us out of our sin, and you saved us into your church. Lord, we know that local churches stand at the very center of your plan for your kingdom now, and I want to pray right now for our churches in Houston. Father, I pray that you give our churches the grace needed for this moment. That they would see the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us, and that the pressures of today would produce the endurance and character that leads to godliness.
Lord, use this moment to reveal those false idols that claim allegiance in our churches, that we might all see clearly those things in which we trust that are less than Christ. Give our churches wisdom to love their neighbors and boldness to proclaim the gospel right now, to be a bold witness. Renew their strength for the mission, and bless them as they walk in obedience.
Keelan Cook - UBA Associate Director
8. PRAY for our prisons and prison workers:
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
Father, we lift up those incarcerated in prisons and jails and those who work there as well. We pray that those who are incarcerated and those who work there will trust you in this troubled time. We pray for perfect peace, calm and protection as time is served and jobs are carried out. We lift them to you in the name of Jesus.
Sally Hinze - UBA Church Consultant
9. PRAY for churches and church leaders around the world:
Father God, we lift up the Bride of Christ and its leaders who are advancing the gospel in countries all around the world. We ask that you protect these leaders and believers from COVID-19. We ask that during this time believers would be bold in their witness and that churches all over Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, and North America would see a move of the Spirit like they have never seen before. In the midst of this boldness protect them from persecution.
We pray for Christians who have lost jobs and who are battling starvation, provide for them the sustenance they need during these days. Father, we pray that your son’s name be lifted high in every language! In Jesus' precious and holy name we pray, Amen!
Kevin Abbott - UBA Associate Director/Chief of Staff
