So What Faith

Greg Smith

Prayer in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic (#1868)

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photo by Greg Smith

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, I’m more aware of the importance of prayer and I’m spending more time praying.  

Prayer in Corporate Worship

As I’ve participated in worship in congregations I know well and in those I am less familiar with, I’ve noted changes in prayer.  The changes are varied and include

  • who prays (limited by technology or use of a single sacred space with concern for others being physically present)
  • what is included in the prayers (a blend of new concerns arising from the pandemic and a general shift toward mentions of broader concerns)
  • where prayer begins (as time has passed there has been a considerable shift from those offering prayer being on the church campus to doing so from home and other locations)
  • when prayer happens (changes to the liturgy for an evolving online experience)
  • how vital prayer is (to the worship experience and to the shared life of faith within the community of faith)

Prayer as a Way of Life

While the ability to participate in worship with more congregations than I did pre-COVID-19 has helped me better appreciate a shift in prayer in congregational worship, I’ve also experience changes in prayer in other contexts.  Personally, I’ve found

  • more people praying with increased intensity and fervor
  • more people asking me to pray (for specific people and concerns as well as for the needs of the community, nation and world more generally)
  • more recognition that prayer and action are often partnered in the ongoing work of making real God’s realm on earth as it already is in heaven
  • less trite or insincere use of phrases like “I’ll keep you in my prayers”
  • less resistance to change (when it comes to who prays and how they pray)

So What?

I took the picture in this post earlier today while out exercising and praying near my home in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. And, I initially posted it on Facebook with an invitation for my friends to share their prayer requests.

I’d welcome hearing about your experiences with prayer during the COVID-19 pandemic.  And, I invite you to share a prayer and/or leave a prayer request. 

Check out other posts in the “In the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic” series: