Below are prayers from the Book of Common Prayer 2019 to include in parish services and for home worship. Some prayers have been adjusted from the BCP 2019 to reflect the current coronavirus situation. We have included the prayer number and page numbers so you can easily find them in your own BCP 2019. You can download and print this resource as a PDF by clicking the link below.
Prayer Resources Coronavirus 2020
Archbishop Foley Beach recommends the following prayer for use in online services:
- For Spiritual Communion, p. 677
Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself with you, together with all your faithful people (gathered around every altar of your Church), and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
The Archbishop has also asked one or more of the following prayers to be used during services in the coming weeks:
- For the Medical Professions, p. 661
Almighty God, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ went about doing good, and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people: Continue in our hospitals and research centers his gracious work among us, especially those ministering to people affected by the novel coronavirus; console and heal the sick; grant to the researchers, physicians, nurses, and assisting staff wisdom and skill, diligence and patience; prosper their work, O Lord, and send down your blessing upon all who serve the suffering; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and immortal God, giver of life and health: We implore in your mercy to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus; healing for all infected by the novel coronavirus, that by your blessing upon them and upon those who minister to them with your healing gifts, they may be restored to health of body and mind, according to your gracious will, and may give thanks to you in your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The following are prayers are also appropriate for this time:
A Collect for Strength to Await Christ’s Return, p. 22
O God our King, by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ on the first day of the week, you conquered sin, put death to flight, and gave us the hope of everlasting life: Redeem all our days by this victory; forgive our sins, banish our fears, make us bold to praise you and to do your will; and steel us to wait for the consummation of your kingdom on the last great Day; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Mission, p. 24
Almighty and everlasting God, who alone works great marvels: Send down upon our clergy and the congregations committed to their charge the life-giving Spirit of your grace, shower them with the continual dew of your blessing, and ignite in them a zealous love of your Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
26. In Times of Natural Disaster, p. 654
Almighty God, by your Word you laid the foundations of the earth, set the bounds of the sea, and still the wind and waves. Surround us with your grace and peace, and preserve us through this pandemic. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, strengthen those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
28. For the Peace of the World, p. 654
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
30. For Civil Authorities, p. 655
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, send down on those who hold public office the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
45. For Those Who Serve Others, p. 660
O Lord our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served, but to serve: We ask you to bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; endue them with wisdom, patience, and courage, that they may strengthen the weak and raise up those who fall, and, being inspired by your love, may worthily minister to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the sake of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
47. For the Unemployed, p. 660
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work because of the coronavirus pandemic. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive a just reward for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
55. For Those Who Live Alone, p. 662
Almighty God, whose Son had nowhere to lay his head: Grant that all those who live alone (especially those who are quarantined) may not be lonely in their solitude, but that, following in his steps, they may find fulfillment in loving you and their neighbors; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
56. For the Elderly, p. 663
Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation (especially in quarantine). Provide for them homes of dignity and peace; give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help; and as their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
61. For the Recovery of the Sick, p. 664
Almighty and immortal God, giver of life and health: We implore your mercy for all who are sick, that by your blessing upon them and upon those who minister to them with your healing gifts, they may be restored to health of body and mind, according to your gracious will, and may give thanks to you in your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
77. For Guidance, p. 669
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
123. For Deliverance from Peril, p. 683
Almighty God, our strong tower of defense in time of trouble: We offer you praise and heartfelt thanks for our deliverance from the dangers which lately surrounded us (and for your gracious gift of peace). We confess that your goodness alone has preserved us; and we ask you still to continue your mercies toward us, that we may always know and acknowledge you as our Savior and mighty Deliverer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Christians have prayed litanies throughout history not only during Lent, but during times of natural disaster, pestilence, and war. The Great Litany can be found starting on page 91 of the BCP 2019.
The Great Litany
To be said or sung, kneeling, standing, or in procession.
O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth,
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful,
Have mercy upon us.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God,
Have mercy upon us.
Remember not, Lord Jesus, our offenses, nor the offenses of our forebears; neither reward us according to our sins. Spare us, good Lord, spare your people, whom you have redeemed with your most precious blood, and by your mercy preserve us for ever.
Spare us, good Lord.
From all evil and wickedness; from sin, from the works and assaults of the devil; from your wrath and everlasting condemnation,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all blindness of heart; from pride, vanity, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice; and from all lack of charity,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all disordered and sinful affections; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word and commandments,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From lightning and tempest; from earthquake, fire, and flood; from plague, pestilence, and famine,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all oppression, conspiracy, and rebellion; from violence, battle, and murder; and from dying suddenly and unprepared,
Good Lord, deliver us.
By the mystery of your holy incarnation; by your holy nativity and submission to the Law; by your baptism, fasting, and temptation,
Good Lord, deliver us.
By your agony and bloody sweat; by your Cross and passion; by your precious death and burial,
Good Lord, deliver us.
By your glorious resurrection and ascension; by the sending of the Holy Spirit; by your heavenly intercession; and by your coming again in power and great glory,
Good Lord, deliver us.
In all times of tribulation; in all times of prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment,
Good Lord, deliver us.
We sinners beseech you to hear us, O Lord God: That it may please you to rule and govern your holy Church universal in the right way,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To illumine all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of your Word; and that, both by their preaching and living, they may show it accordingly,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To send forth laborers into your harvest; to prosper their work by your Holy Spirit; to make your saving health known unto all nations; and to hasten the coming of your kingdom,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To give all your people increase of grace to hear your Word with humility, to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To bring into the way of truth all who have erred and are deceived,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To give us a heart to love and fear you, and diligently to keep your commandments,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To bless and keep all your people,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please you to rule the hearts of the President and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and show mercy, and walk humbly before you,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To bless and guide all judges, giving them grace to execute justice, and to maintain truth,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To bless and keep our armed forces by sea, and land, and air, and to shield them in all dangers and adversities,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To bless and protect all who serve their communities by their labor and learning,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To give and preserve for us and for others the bountiful fruits of the earth, so that at the harvest we all may enjoy them,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To make wars to cease in all the world, and to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please you to show mercy on all prisoners and captives; refugees, the homeless, and the hungry; and all those who are desolate and oppressed,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To preserve all who are in danger by reason of their work or travel,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To strengthen the bonds of those in Holy Matrimony; to uphold the widowed and abandoned; and to comfort all whose homes are torn by strife,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To protect the unborn and their parents, and to preserve all women in childbirth;
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To care for those who have lost children or face infertility, and to provide for young children and orphans,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To visit the lonely and those who grieve; to strengthen all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit; and to comfort with your presence those who are failing and infirm,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To support, help, and deliver all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To have mercy upon all people,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please you to give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sin, negligence, and ignorance; and to endue us with the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to your holy Word,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To strengthen those who stand; to encourage the faint-hearted; to raise up those who fall; and finally to beat down Satan under our feet,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To grant to all the faithful departed eternal life and peace,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
To grant that, in the fellowship of all the saints, we may attain to your heavenly kingdom,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
Son of God, we beseech you to hear us.
Son of God, we beseech you to hear us.
O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
Grant us your peace.
O Christ, hear us.
O Christ, hear us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.