The power of prayer during a pandemic

There is a broad spectrum of views and beliefs about prayer. Some believers simply view prayer as "communication with God", while others metaphorically describe prayer as "a telephone line to Heaven" or "the master key" to open the divine door. But no matter how you personally perceive prayer, the bottom line about prayer is this: Prayer is a sacred connective act. When we pray, we seek God's hearing. When disaster strikes, people react differently when it comes to prayer. First, crying out to God is an instant response for many religious people during a catastrophe. Certainly, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has awakened people of different faiths to invoke their respective divine beings. And no doubt, many Christians must have remembered God's instructions in the Scriptures: “Call me when trouble comes. I will save you. And you will honor me. ”(Psalm 50:15; cf. Psalm 91:15) So, God's line must be flooded with the distress calls of believers, as people pray with great fervor and desperation for salvation in these turbulent times. Even those who may not be used to prayer may feel the desire to reach higher power for wisdom, security, and answers. For others, a disaster can make them feel abandoned by God or simply lack the energy to pray. At times, faith can temporarily merge into the waters of the current upheaval.

This was the case with the widow of a former hospice patient I met over ten years ago. I noticed several religious objects in their home when I arrived there to offer pastoral grief support: inspirational scriptural quotes framed on the walls, an open Bible, and religious books on their bed next to her husband's lifeless body - all of which attested to their close faith - walk with God until death shook their world. The woman's initial bereavement included silent confusions and occasional tears, stories from their life's journey, and many dialogical “whys” to God. After some time, I asked the woman if a prayer could help. His answer confirmed my suspicion. He looked at me and said, “Prayer? Prayer? For me, God doesn't exist now. "

How to stay in touch with God during a crisis
Catastrophic events, whether it be illness, death, job loss or a global pandemic, can numb the prayer nerves and draw energy from even veteran prayer warriors. So, when “God's hiding” allows thick darkness to invade our personal spaces during a crisis, how can we stay in touch with God? I suggest the following possible ways: Try introspective meditation. Prayer is not always verbal communication with God. Instead of wondering and wandering in thoughts, turn your traumatic insomnia into alert devotion. After all, your subconscious is still fully aware of God's transcendent presence. Engage in conversation with God. God knows you are in deep pain, but you can still tell him how you feel. Agonizing on the cross, Jesus himself felt abandoned by God, and was honest about it in questioning His Heavenly Father: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) Pray for specific needs. The health and safety of your loved ones and your personal well-being.
Protection and resilience for the front lines that take care of people infected with the virus. Divine guidance and wisdom for our national and global politicians as they guide us through this difficult time.
Shared compassion for seeing and acting according to the needs of those around us. Doctors and researchers work for a sustainable solution to the virus. Turn to prayer intercessors. A vital benefit of a religious community of believers is collaborative prayer, thanks to which you can find comfort, security and encouragement. Reach out to your existing support system or take the opportunity to deepen a connection with someone you know as a strong prayer warrior. And, of course, it is comforting to know or remember that God's Holy Spirit also intercedes for God's people during a crisis of prayer. We can find comfort and peace in the fact that every crisis has a life span. History tells us. This current pandemic will subside and by doing so, we will be able to continue talking to God through the prayer channel.