Letter from Archana Jacob, April 2020

A Letter from Archana

April 2020

Dear Friends

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits.

The bible tells us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). Many of you have prayed for me. As a result I am feeling much better though I have not fully recovered as of now. I would also like to let you know my sincere thanks for all the phone calls and letters of encouragement.

The Covid-19 crisis is still very much dominating our lives. Many are battling at the front lines. At the same time, I am reminded that the power of the prayers of the saints is not to be underestimated. Therefore I compiled a list with prayers. Perhaps you will find some of them helpful and would like to add them in your daily prayers.

With every blessing
Archana Jacob

Prayers

Praise and Worship

For God’s sustaining power and his faithfulness during this crisis
For his power to heal and make new
For the abundance of mercy and grace we find in Him
For his wisdom, his love and peace which surpass all understanding
For bringing about good effects even in the midst of this crisis (e.g. clean air, people rethinking their priorities and way of life, governments working together, weak spots revealed in health system etc.)
Thanking him that nature witnesses about God’s goodness to us every day (e.g. through the rain he provides for the flowers or by showing us how he feeds the birds, the lion and the fish alike)

Church

For church leadership, that Jesus might strengthen them and remind them of their calling
For unity, strength and reconciliation amongst believers
For the Holy Spirit’s guidance in finding new ways to keep in touch and to worship together
For the church meeting now in completely different (home) settings
For those hiding from cruel regimes and persecution
For those who have been infected and/or who have lost a loved one due to the virus
For the many priests, missionaries and ministers who have continued to visit dying COVID-19 patients and got infected themselves
For those priests conducting funerals
For those who cry with those who mourn
For those who bring the message of hope and eternal life to a dying society
For those pointing to the comfort of Jesus in times of great distress and bereavement
For those who feel that they have failed God... that they might be open to relying upon God and that they may find comfort, forgiveness and peace
For those who have dedicated their life to God, that he might refresh their souls
For those who prepare devotionals, bible studies, online services and sermons
For those working in the background to put services together
For those thinking about measures to ensure the safety of every believer stepping into a house of worship
For those who phone up, send letters, write cards
For those who struggle to see God in the midst of this crisis (perhaps like the disciples on the road to Emmaus)
For those churches struggling financially because of this crisis
For God’s transforming power in our life
Thanking him / asking him to put a finger on the areas we are struggling with on a personal level
For his help to set our priorities straight
Asking the Holy Spirit for guidance as to how to use this time at home for a more intimate relationship with God, our Father
For Jesus to touch us in a way that our relationship with him may be enriched, more fruitful and passionate despite the crisis

Global / International Community

That governments may work together and focus on the greater good
That Jesus’ love and wisdom will rule the hearts of those who make decisions
That there may be reconciliation between those who have hurt each other
That the nations may be touched by Jesus’ hands
That God will guide all those involved with the production of medical equipment
That the Holy Spirit might guide those who work to bring about innovative solutions to battle this crisis effectively
For those who do medical research
For those who create vaccines, pills and other kind of medicine
That there might be funds and the motivation to provide medical help for those who cannot afford it or who battle rare diseases
That the infrastructure might be improved for those living in poor countries or rural areas
That basic necessities and help might be provided to everyone
For those who struggle because of wars, corrupt governments or natural disasters
For those who work for a meagre wage and are being exploited
For those forced to live or work in unhygienic conditions

Front line battles

For all who battle at the front line. That God may give them wisdom as they provide care. That he will sustain them with good physical and spiritual nourishment, that Jesus will give them rest and peace.
That he will especially take care of their loved ones when they are not able to be with them themselves due to this crisis
For police and law enforcement who patrol our streets every day – especially for those who caught COVID-19
For Hospital management, doctors, nurses, other health professionals.
For all those who keep our roads and office/home clean (road, railway, hospitals, work places etc.)
Staff at Grocery stores which refill all items we need
For those who purchase items of basic necessities for countries or companies (e.g. food supplies, masks etc)
For those who go shopping for us
For Pharmacies
For all who provide medicine, make disinfectants and/or produce protection material (e.g. masks, gloves etc.)
For those who make and install glasses for protection
For those ensuring that basic public transport can be provided
For those who ensure that supply chains are sustainable and affordable
For logistics companies which deliver our goods (e.g. planers, administrators, pilots, truckers, those working in warehouses etc.) For those building the infrastructure which is so desperately needed (road workers, construction workers etc)
For journalists which inform the wider public about serious shortcomings and who work to hold governments accountable for their actions (protection, safety)
For those who make technological inventions and enable us to work from home, shop online and keep in touch with our loved ones despite this crisis
For data analysts, scientists and researchers who provide us with vital information
For all embassies who helped to coordinate the safe return of their citizens and continue to work for good relationships between countries
For all those who have no citizenship and/or who are stuck in precarious situations (migrants, refugees, prisoners of war etc.)
For all who work to bring peace and justice or show compassion in the midst of chaotic situations

Switzerland

For every member of the Bundesrat in Switzerland and all members of parliament, that God’s wisdom and strength may be with them as they lead us through this crisis
For all government departments working day and night to find viable solutions to navigate this country through this extraordinary situation (e.g. BAG – Bundesamt für Gesundheit, SECO – Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft etc.)
That God will help Switzerland to get back to a stage of normalcy and that he will guide our steps along the way
That the measures will strike the right balance between protecting people, guaranteeing certain freedom and a functioning economy
That this crisis will reveal where we need to improve legislation and/or execution of laws in order to be better prepared in the future
That God will help this government in the right allocation of funds and that there will be enough reserves for the future
That this crisis will help this country to stand together and to find common ground with neighbouring countries

Local Communities

For those who are bitter, angry, desperate, depressed or outraged because of this crisis – that God may meet them in the midst of their feelings
For those working from home and having difficulties to take proper rest
For single parents who struggle to balance work and child care
For parents trying to get a handle on home schooling
For children being able to cope with the change - the stress of being taught by working / distracted parents, the disappointment of not being able to meet their friends, the fear or confusion which might be popping up every now and then etc. That you bring your love and peace into every household
For singles and for widows and widowers feeling lonely, that the presence of Jesus might fill their hearts and meet their emotions with his gentle love
All those in the risk group. That they may be guided by the Holy Spirit every day and that God will surround them like a shield
For all who ae in hospitals or care homes – desperately waiting for a call or a visit
For all in prison or in confinement – that they might be reminded that Jesus loves everyone and that the thief on the cross was as close to Jesus’ heart as anyone else.
For all teachers who prepare the material for their students and who are learning to use different forms of technology to reach out to them. That God might bless them with knowledge. For all teachers who feel compassion for those students who are being disadvantaged due to this situation
For all who are being abused... who suffer physically or emotionally. For all living in dysfunctional relationships or encounter cruel situations in their daily life. That God might provide a way out of the mess and that he might rescue them
For all who suffer from broken relationships. That Jesus might bring healing, forgivieness and reconciliation. For all who struggle with addiction and/or delusions. For all who feel like their bodies and thoughts are overpowering them. That Jesus might touch their life in the same way he has touched the life of the man who lived in a cemetery by the Sea of Galilee.
For those who are facing the reality of financial ruin, for those who have lost their business or who have no hope for their future. For all who have lost their job or a part of their income. For all who cannot afford medical treatment, food or shelter. For all who may feel stuck in a job which does not satisfy them. That God may carry them in the palm of his hands and provide for their needs on a daily basis.
For those who are being forgotten during this crisis
For those who have volunteered in many ways during this crisis. That God might bless them and make their efforts fruitful.
For landlords and renters that they might be compassionate and understanding towards each other
For all innovators who contribute to finding solutions to the many challenges posed by this crisis
For investors, that the Holy Spirit might guide them to invest in the right ventures