The Bible remains a go-to source for Christians who find it challenging to pray during the coronavirus pandemic, or who simply want to be encouraged by Scripture to remain hopeful during the current COVID-19 health crisis.
As the coronavirs pandemic continues, people around the world remain in self-isolation and quarantine to help reduce the rate of infections. Businesses have closed their doors, schools are keeping children away, and many Christians have, for the first time, been forced to worship at home via online services.
In addition to their health, many are also worried about their finances. So it’s understandable that people are feeling anxious or afraid. Others may be finding it hard to remain encouraged during this difficult time.
If you are uncertain of how to pray or what to pray during this uncertain time, the Bible offers plenty of guidance. Scripture is chocked full of people who found themselves in similar, if not worse, circumstances than we find ourselves in today.
One of those individuals is King David, who is believed to have authored under divine inspiration many of the 150 Psalms found in the Bible. In addition to there being psalms praising or thanking God, asking for His protection, and asking for His justice against enemies, the are psalms that either affirm the author’s faith in, or desperately appeals to, God’s divine protection.
Three such psalms are: Psalm 23, Psalm 27, and Psalm 91.
Many people are likely more familiar with Psalm 23, which begins with the declaration: “The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” It states further in verse 4: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”
Psalm 23 includes just six verses and is easy to memorize, in whole or in part–particularly if you feel compelled to focus on the two verses shown above that point to God as provider and protector.
The second Bible passage that can help fight coronavirus fears is Psalm 27. This psalm is more about calling on God for protection while remembering why He is faithful and reliable.
It begins in verse one: “The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”
The entire psalm is 14 verses long. Psalm 27:1 may be the perfect Bible verse to recite when fear or anxiety over the coronavirus pandemic threatens to take hold.
Finally, Psalm 91 is another prayer of protection. In this part of Scripture, the author again affirms faith in God as a protector of His people.
It states in verses two and three: “This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.”
The people of God are further encouraged in verses five and six: “Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.”
Then verses nine and 10: “If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.”
Most reassuringly is GOD’s response to those praying in faith. He says in verses 14-16:
“I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
Again, turning to the Bible during the coronavirus pandemic can prove refreshing for the soul. Reciting Scripture’s prayers is not only a good reminder of how others before us have turned to and trusted in God, but reading the Word can also provide us with peace of mind in the face of health and financial crises.
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