Interfaith Day of Prayer – Prayer from Barbara Williams-Skinner

O Lord Our God, whose name, character, and ways are holy, we come to you as Creator, Sustainer, Maker, and Guide, at a time beyond our human imagining, with the COVID pandemic literally sucking the life out of millions of your children in America across the globe. Thank you Lord, for putting us in a posture where none our titles, positions, money, or even power connections even matter! When life as we knew it months ago –even our work, play, and worship – have been turned up side down, and personal distancing has too often led to financial ruin, self-isolation, depression, domestic violence, and even suicide, we are compelled, to come boldly before your throne of grace to seek, comfort, and help in this time of need. 

In this time of need we are moved to reflect, O God, on your divine promise to King Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:13, 14, “At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command a disease to devour your food supply, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”

Heal our land, Lord God, where the virus has killed at higher rates, Americans of color, already victimized by systemic racism, poverty and inadequate health care, are among front line workers who lack the luxury and safety of “sheltering in place.”  Heal our hearts that we may use this  season to reimagine, recommit, and rededicate ourselves of an America truly worthy of being called “one nation under God.” In the matchless name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner