The word pandemic has Greek origins. Pan means all. Its form is found in Ephesians where Paul expresses the scope of our prayer: “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Eph. 6:18, ESV).
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Phil. 4:6, NKJV).
Right now we (as in global we) find ourselves in a pandemic. A pandemic is something that is widespread and conspicuous by its spread. Let us seek a pandemic of prayer. Rather than trying to contain it, let us make it infectious, spreading it to others, lifting their eyes to God and the only mediator between God and man – Jesus Christ.
My living room was filled with my adult children, their spouses, and their children. Sixteen of us sat on the chairs, sofas and floor. The youngest was three. The oldest was my wife (I’ll leave it at that). They were there for the Sunday dinner my wife hosted for our family each week.
This Sunday was different. It was the last time we would gather because of the social distancing called for in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. It was also a day of prayer called for by our president.
It had occurred to me that our family gathering was opportune. We would pray and God would use that. It would also be an opportunity to set an example for the grandkids of what Christians do in crisis. They cry out to God.
