In every season, we want to be a church that cares well for all people, but especially in this unprecedented season, we want to be a church that cares well for all those who are affected by COVID19. One demographic who especially needs our prayers and care in this season is our healthcare workers, who are working tirelessly, around the clock to provide support, care, and relief to those affected by COVID19 on top of the normal, everyday care and expertise they provide. Our missions team sat down with one of our healthcare workers in our church and came up with six prayers you can pray for healthcare workers in this season. You can find those here:

1. Pray for Endurance: Healthcare workers know that they are in this for the long haul. No matter when this pandemic ends, they know they are going to be present and deeply invested. Ask the Lord to give them strength to endure the days and weeks ahead. Pray that they would not be overwhelmed and that they would trust Jesus for the strength they need for the day ahead of them. Pray Psalm 75:1,3: “We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds . . . When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars.”
2. Pray for Wisdom: COVID-19 is uncharted territory for medical professionals, and many important decisions must be made without a precedent or guidelines to follow. They desperately need wisdom on a personal, professional, and healthcare systems level. Pray that the Lord will direct them and provide them wisdom as they work to care for and treat fellow image-bearers with excellence. Pray for discernment as they decide on the safest ways to be around their families and friends. Pray that they would have confidence and courage as they make these decisions. Pray Isaiah 26:3 –  “You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.”
3. Pray for Peace: Pray that the Lord would give healthcare providers peace in the midst of the unknown. Pray that as they wake up, the Lord, through His Holy Spirit, would wash over them with a peace that surpasses understanding and that that peace would go with them throughout the day! Pray Philippians 4:4-7 – “ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
4. Pray for Hope: The days ahead are largely unknown, and the decisions our healthcare workers will have to make are difficult. Pray that the Lord will fill them with hope as they fight a disease that is new and deadly. Ask the Lord that He would fill them with hope, even when things around them seem hopeless. Pray that they would share the hope of Christ with their co-workers and patients. Psalm 116:2 – “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”
5. Pray for Rest: Many of our healthcare workers are working long hours or preparing to work long hours as the virus continues to spread and reaches its peak in our city. Ask that the Lord would grant sweet rest to them, not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. Psalm 94:19 – “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”
6. Pray for Community: A lot of healthcare workers are feeling the sting of isolation more than most because of their fear of contracting COVID and spreading it to those they love and care for. Pray that the Lord would raise up a community around them that will walk with them through this season of increased demands at work and isolation. Pray Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

In addition to praying for our Healthcare Workers, here are five other ways you can care well for them in this season:

1. Write Thank You Notes: If this is a project you’d like to undertake but aren’t sure how to deliver them, let us know and we’ll help you get connected to someone!
2. Call Them: Call and check in on them. Let them know you’re thinking about them and praying for them. Ask how you can pray specifically for them in this time.
3. Provide a Meal: Make them their favorite meal or order food to be delivered to them (just check to make sure they’re available to receive it)!
4. Send a Care Package: Make them a care package and send it through the mail.
5. Bake Goods: Bake goods or deliver snacks for them to share at work.
6. Make Masks: Contact us if you’re interested in helping to make masks. We have all the materials, but needs hands to help with this project!

These are just a few ways to care well for our healthcare workers in this season. Our primary goal is to remind them they are not alone and they are cared for. Get creative and think of your own ways to care well for them!