A prayer for the persecuted church during Covid-19

Lord Jesus Christ

You, who hugged the leper and healed the lame,
Be with all those who are reaching out to You at this time.
We think especially of all who already pay a high price for following You:
     those who are poor, and running out of food,
     those who are hated by their community and are always the last to receive help – if they receive it at all,
     those to whom the fear of Covid-19 is just the latest in a long list of fears which they must carry every day
Encourage and protect the pastors who lead their flocks,
     and the Open Doors partners who bring help.
Bring courage to those who are afraid,
Strength to those who are weak,
Comfort to those who mourn,
and hope to us all.

AMEN