Spirit Prayers Praying Through the Pandemic and Social Unrest

In early 2020 the world was shaken by the novel coronavirus, SARSCoV-2 which rapidly spread over the entire globe. At the time of this writing, the pandemic is responsible for at least 59 million known infections and 1.4 million deaths. With rapid spread of the virus across the world and in the United States of America, we found ourselves sheltering in place with cities in lock-down. Our congregation, like many others, closed the doors to the church building and went to work looking for ways to remain open while socially distanced. We met virtually. These prayers were written in response to the fear, anxiety and pain cause by the pandemic. The author felt a need to pray daily with the congregations she serves. After 8 months of pandemic here and the current rise in cases and deaths globally, it seems that others might benefit from written prayers designed to help a person enter into their own prayer. Each entry begins with a Scripture text from the Holy Bible or Theological reflection that inspired the prayer that follows. Though written from a Christian context, the prayers may be helpful for anyone who calls upon God in crisis.

Dr. Devoree Clifton Crist is a spiritual director, retired physician, wife and mother living in St. Louis, Missouri. She holds a Master in Theological Studies from Eden Theological Seminary and a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute of Theology. She received her doctorate degree from Washington University School of Medicine, all in St Louis. She believes that our ever-present God meets each of us wherever we are and lovingly guides us to be our best selves.
During this time of the coronavirus her retreat ministry has halted, but, in its place, a very rich and fruitful group spiritual direction ministry has emerged. The pandemic has allowed for new and exciting creativity in virtual worship liturgy, music, painting, and interpersonal interactions. Writing prayers has been life-giving.