Rev Dr N Paphino
Vice President, NJCF
The world is going through a very difficult and trying time because of the Coronavirus (COVID -19) pandemic. What has been watched as news outside of us that has been happening in other parts of the world has come closer to home. Fear and uncertainty has engulfed us. The disease is rapidly spreading and if this trend continues no country is going to spared. We are already at high risk, even though as of now we have no case officially reported in our state. But we do not know what will happen in the next few days or weeks. We all find ourselves in a very difficult predicament. In a situation such as this, we must stay alert and vigilant and follow the precautionary measures issued by competent authority. As we do so, we must turn to God for His divine protection.
We appreciate the government of Nagaland for the precautionary measures taken thus far. Along with them, we all must do our part at this crucial and critical situation because prevention is our best defence. We cannot just be debating on the lapses, in our inadequacies and our unpreparedness. We all must stand behind each other and give any possible support.
As we do our part, NJCF calls upon all the churches across the denominational line to observe a day of prayer and fasting this coming Sunday (i. e., March 22) and seek God’s intervention and protection. We also urge the denominational head offices to issue precautionary guidelines fitting to their ecclesiastical worship and liturgy.
Here are some common prayer pointers. Churches can add more points for the prayer time.
• Pray for God’s protection for our people.
• Pray for the countries that are hit by the disease and are going through hard and difficult time.
• Pray for our leaders who are in the position of authority that God will give them wisdom to deal with the situation wisely.
• Pray for Health and Family Welfare department, the doctors, nurses and caregivers for God’s protection as they prepare for the worse that God will give them the courage and patience in their work and service.
• Pray for the elderly who are most susceptible to the disease.
• Pray for our children who are out of school that they will stay safe and be protected.
• Pray for our children studying outside of our states and are returning so that they will stay protected.
• Pray that will not act in panic but wisely and follow the precautionary measures diligently.
• Pray that God will bring total healing to the suffering world.
• Pray that the church will response wisely and be supportive of each other in times of crisis and emergency such as this.
• Pray that Christians will stand strong in our faith and that God will be once again merciful to us and heal our land.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and i will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
