Prayer for a Pandemic

When I wrote this prayer a few days ago, I had no idea it would resonate with so many people. I am humbled and awed by the number of you who have shared it and written to express your shared hope and prayers during this truly difficult time.

I know that some of you have been searching for the source of this prayer, and I am sorry I didn’t write my name on the paper! My name is Cameron Bellm, and I live in Seattle, WA. Please feel free to share the prayer, to use it in your worship services or meetings, read it aloud, or use it in any other way that brings you comfort. Thank you so much for your prayers and messages. Your compassion and love for your neighbors has certainly brightened the world in a very dark time.

Prayer for a Pandemic
By Cameron Bellm

May we who are merely inconvenienced
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors
Remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close
Remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips
Remember those that have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market
Remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home
Remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country,
let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,
Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.
Amen.