The Well Blog

As our world faces the uncertainty of this present COVID-19 crisis, I have been greatly encouraged by the number of people who have stepped up to say “how can I help?” Seeking to love God and others as ambassadors for Christ, many have volunteered to deliver groceries to those in need, drive people to doctor’s appointments or have taken initiative to call people within their circles of family, friends and neighborhood to look for ways to serve.

At the same time, there are several among us who are unable to leave our homes. You may be self-quarantined due to international travel or you are a person who is more vulnerable to coronavirus than others. Perhaps the wisest and most loving thing for you to do right now is to stay out of contact with people altogether. Further, as the “stay-at-home” requests from our government continue to grow broader, most, if not all of us, may find ourselves completely confined to our homes in a very short time. If this is our situation, what can we do to be a light for Christ?

One thing all of us can do in the midst of crisis is to seek God in prayer. In the Gospels, Jesus often says "when you pray" (e.g. Mt. 5:5-7; Lk. 11:2) not "if you pray." It is the expectation of Jesus that those who follow Him would be people of prayer. The Apostle Paul says "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17) and Paul prays for his companion and co-worker Timothy “night and day” (2 Tim. 1:3). The author of Hebrews states: "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Heb. 4:16). One of the key ways we can express our dependence on God and love others well is through prayer.

The Well wants to invite you to a season of prayer for our church, community and world.

Would you commit to pray at least once a week for 10 minutes (or more) every week during this present crisis? You can do this on your own, with family/friends you’re sheltering in place with or digitally through your Community Life environment. Included are some Prayer Points and Scriptures on prayer to help you get started.

If we recognize our need for God and His help, we must be moved to prayer. We cannot do this on our own. Let’s admit and express our dependence on God together moving forward! 1 Chronicles 16:11 says: Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually.

Prayer Points:

1. God’s Protection (Pray that God would stop the virus through vaccines, or miraculous intervention.)
2. God’s Provision (Financial Institutions, Job Shut Down, Hourly Wage Earners, Fixed Income, Food Supply, Stores)
3. Those in Authority (Wisdom and Unity for Police, Fire, Gov -Local, State, National, International Leaders)
4. Medical Personnel (Protection over Rx, Drs, Nurses, & Hospital Staff; Wisdom for Researchers, etc.)
5. Those at Greatest Risk (Healing for the Sick, Compromised Immune Systems, Elderly, Homeless)
6. Our Schools (Wisdom for Leaders, Teachers, Staff and Support Personnel; Food for Kids, etc.)
7. The Church & Nonprofits (Members and Elders, Pastors and Staff, Compassion Care and Witness, etc.)
8. Family & Friends (They Feel Supported & Loved, Enriching Family Time, Health, Specific Needs and Opportunity for Ministry and Witness, etc.)
9. Hearts of the People (They would turn to Christ during this crisis; People would come to faith in Christ, the nominal would be awakened, and believers would go deeper in their faith.)
10. Yourself (That the Holy Spirit specifically lead you as to how you can be a light for Christ during this time in your three circles: Family/Friends, Neighborhood and Community)

Scriptures to help with prayer:

• 1 Chronicles 16:11
• Psalm 25-28; 75; 91; 145:18
• John 14:27
• Ephesians 6:18
• Philippians 4:6-7
• Colossians 4:2
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17
• 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Biblical Prayers:

• Psalm 23
• Matthew 6:9-13
• Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21
• Philippians 1:9-11
• Colossians 1:9-14

• Covid
• Faith
• Fear/Anxiety
• Prayer