A Prayer For Those Who Are Afraid

RALEIGH – It is a frightening world, much of the time, even in normal periods of stress and uncertainty. During a pandemic, and the aggressive reactions to it, the stress and uncertainty rise to a whole new level. You might be afraid of the virus, or afraid of what the government actions to contain mean for our freedoms, or just afraid of what the entire saga is doing to us as people.

Whatever the case, Reverend Mark Creech, of Christian Action League, has a prayer for those who are afraid, and we gladly share it with you today.

Gentle and Gracious God, you are our light and salvation, our strength and hiding place. You are our refuge and fortress. In times of evil tidings, grant that we should not be afraid, for our hearts are fixed, trusting in you.

When we are tempted for fear of want, remind us that there is no want to them fear you. Christ has plenty to supply our every need. When we are tempted for fear of suffering, remind us that though you have not promised to exempt us from pain or sorrow, you will limit and control it and overrule it for our good.

Your grace is sufficient; your strength is made perfect in weakness. When we are tempted to fear death, turn our hearts to your glorious gospel, which tells us that Christ has destroyed death for all who lean on him as the Savior from sin.

O Lord, we commit to what the Psalmist said, “I sought the Lord, and he heard me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). Deliver us from the fears that threaten our peace. Preserve us, and fill our mouths full of your praises. We make these petitions, for the sake of Him who lived, died, and rose again from the dead, that we might never be in bondage to fear, but conquer it in ourselves, as well as put hope and assurance in the hearts of our brothers.

Amen.