O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.

The words in the psalm today have been the words of my prayer during this global pandemic of COVID-19. At the moment of writing this reflection, I have lived just over a full week working from home, respecting the physical distancing expectations. In checking in with undergraduate students I minister to, friends, and family near and far, there is a mix of emotions – overwhelmed, relieved to be safe or secure in their jobs, sad to be missing friends and family, mourning the graduations, weddings, and other celebrations that will not be what was imagined, scared, anxious, etc. I am taking this time day-by-day. But my prayer each day has sounded a lot like the Responsorial Psalm. And so, today, I ask you to join in my prayer, that it echo in our hearts and resound across our world.

O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
O Lord, hear my prayer for those most at risk.

For those whose age and medical condition make them more vulnerable.
For those who are without a home, who live on our streets, who rely on social services to meet their daily needs.
For those whose jobs are at risk.
For the migrants and refugees around the world who are already fleeing for their safety.

O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
O Lord, hear my prayer for those on the frontlines of response.

For the nurses, doctors, and medical professionals who show up everyday with energy, compassion, and resilience for the work of care ahead of them.
For the grocery store workers and truck drivers keeping shelves stocked.
For home care providers, stay-at-home and work-from-home parents.
For mail carriers and package deliverers.

O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
O Lord, hear my prayer for leaders making difficult and important decisions.

For leaders of countries, states, and cities.
For leaders of faith communities and places of worship.
For leaders of schools, daycares, and social services.
For leaders of businesses, small and large.
For leaders of hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.

O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
O Lord, hear my prayer for those who suffer.

For those who are sick, for those who face death because of this virus.
For those who suffer loneliness, depression, anxiety, and isolation.
For those who have lost their jobs.
For all of us, because in one way or another, we are all suffering right now.

O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
O Lord, hear my prayer for all those who have died from this virus.

For their loved ones who mourn their death.

O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
O Lord, hear my prayer for the end of this global pandemic.
O Lord, hear my prayer for relief, healing, hope, and protection.
O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Amen.

Brothers and sisters, people of faith around the world. Let us continue to pray for the end of this global pandemic and prepare in hope for the dawn that is to come. For this to impact so many countries during this time of Lent, this time of darkness, of preparation, of sacrifice does not go unnoticed. This time feels dark. And, as a Christian, I believe that Easter will come. That light, hope, and love will win out. That eventually, this darkness will pass. I continue to pray, to cry out to God.