NC Family Staff | March 16, 2020 | SHARE: 
In the midst of the ever-developing and ever-changing news over the weekend regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus), one of the most important events to take place was unfortunately overlooked by many in the mainstream media. That event was the release of a special Presidential Proclamation issued by Donald Trump declaring Sunday, March 15, 2020 a National Day of Prayer “for all Americans affected by the coronavirus pandemic and for our national response efforts.”
“In our times of greatest need, Americans have always turned to prayer to help guide us through trials and periods of uncertainty,” the Proclamation states. “As we continue to face the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, millions of Americans are unable to gather in their churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship. But in this time we must not cease asking God for added wisdom, comfort, and strength, and we must especially pray for those who have suffered harm or who have lost loved ones. I ask you to join me in a day of prayer for all people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and to pray for God’s healing hand to be placed on the people of our Nation.”
On Friday, the President declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, and many churches, temples, and other houses of worship canceled their normal weekend services. In North Carolina, Governor Cooper banned gatherings of 100 or more people, and CDC officials are urging “social distancing,” keeping people six feet apart from each other and limiting direct contact.
We at NC Family ask you to join us as we pray for our nation and the world in the midst of this pandemic. Many can be tempted to give into fear and uncertainty, but it is important that we remember, as the President rightly said, “there is no burden too heavy for God to lift or for this country to bear with His help.”
So we pray for healing for those infected with coronavirus, especially those for whom it can be most dangerous like the elderly and immunocompromised. We pray for protection and strength for their families. We pray for health care providers and first responders who are caring for those who are infected, that God would grant them protection and endurance in this crisis. We pray for wisdom for our leaders and for those researching a cure. We pray for those who are facing economic distress due to the loss of a job or reduced work hours. We pray for families who are experiencing difficulty caring for children and the elderly during this time. Finally, we ask God for discernment for all of us, that we would not give in to fear or misinformation, but that we would place our hope, our wellbeing, and our lives in His hands.
Amen!
