God of love, Jesus gave us the commandment of love: to put you before everything and to love our neighbour in the same way and to the same degree that we care for ourselves. Today we come before you, offering you our hearts and our prayers for ourselves and for all those who are in need at this time.
Let us pray for all religious leaders as they work to bring hope to a world which has been turned upside down and traumatised by the effects of the global pandemic: may their inspiration give us the courage and strength that we need at this time.
Let us pray for all politicians and everyone involved in local and national governance: may they exercise wisdom, understanding and thoughtfulness in order to bring about the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Let us pray for us all as we try to control the spread of the coronavirus through whatever means are available to us: may we protect the vulnerable, care for the sick and have compassion on those who are experiencing the frustrations of lockdown.
Let us pray for families struggling to cope with difficulties which seem to have no straightforward answers: may they find the peace and practical solutions which they need.
Let us pray for families who have become ever more closely united as a result of the difficulties they have experienced during the past few months: may their love for each other grow stronger and more meaningful.
Let us pray for everyone who has experienced job insecurity as a result of the coronavirus: may they experience peace of mind and find hope amid their uncertainty.
Lord God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we ask you to hear our prayers and, in your great love, help us to spread your love in our world. Amen.