Dear God,

This morning, in my study time, I read these words in your Scripture. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) So that is what I am praying for today. I am praying for you to speak to the anxious places of my heart and fill me with hope and joy and peace that it overflows into every personal interaction I have with my close family, and every virtual or distance interaction I have with others. I want to overflow with that hope.

I know that what is happening around us, and what is coming down the pike is bad. But what I know for sure is that all the time, you are good.

I know that this is “unprecedented,” but I also know that your love and grace have shown up in every situation since the beginning of time. When I read of your wondrous works, I cannot help but marvel at your goodness and greatness.

I know that there are powers that come to steal and destroy, but I know you are a God who gives and builds up. So I will count on and trust in you.

This day, I am fervently praying for those who work in the restaurant and hospitality industry. As their very livelihood is taken away for some period of time, sustain them with hope. I ask that you help them to find new ways to support themselves until they can return to that business we all count on so much. And God, there are so many others to pray for – those who are ill, those who are grieving, the doctors and nurses and other health servants, government leaders, business and finance leaders, the elderly, the isolated and lonely, parents with children at home, those separated from families, all those for whom the economic woes are especially difficult. Today I join the thousands, perhaps millions, of others in the body of Christ who are praying for just these people. Use our prayers as your instrument to bring healing, hope, strength, and sustenance to all of these.

Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer. Amen.