Lord, you came to the world healing,
touching those considered
dangerous, unsafe and unclean.
You entered into suffering,
never turning away
from those in need of mercy.
We think of you,
your compassion and kindness,
your stalwart love and
your selfless courage,
because we see these traits
in those on the front lines,
combating this pandemic.
We see you in the bruised faces
of nurses after hours and hours
wearing facemasks and tending to the sick.
We see you in the pain of parents
unable to hug their own children
for fear of infecting them
after working shift after shift
with contagious patients.
We see you, tired, putting yourself at risk
for the sake of strangers.
We see you in gloves and gowns,
not knowing when this scourge will end,
but bringing healing, comfort and hope
despite your own fears and fatigue.
Lord God,
bringer of wholeness, giver of peace,
strengthen your servants
who are putting themselves on the line,
pouring themselves out,
looking to the interests of others
in order to heal the sick and tend to the suffering.
Help them to know they are seen and valued,
not only by you, but by all of us
who are grateful for their sacrifices
and awed by their tenacity, commitment, skill and care.
Grant them rest,
give them fortitude,
guide our collective will,
shape all our actions,
unite us in upholding one another
in this extraordinary time
and always.
Amen.
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