According to nationaldayofprayer.org, “The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President          Harry S. Truman.
Let us open in a word of prayer by:
Reverend Patrick J. Conroy, S.J.
(The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives.)
Compassionate God, thank You for giving us another day.
With each passing day, O Lord, we hear discouraging news of suffering and death during this pandemic, but hopeful news of possible treatments. In it all, we are understandably impatient to be past this current crisis and returned to lives which we will never again experience.
Such is the profile of human history. Through our own history, Americans have relied upon Your faithfulness in their personal lives, and at times, in our national experience.
Today, we stand before You, imploring Your presence and assistance in our time of need. Give us the patience to trust in the work of medical researchers and professionals as they labor to conquer the coronavirus. Give them the wisdom and insight they need to bring to fruition their efforts to find a treatment and vaccine against this scourge.
May everything done this day be for Your greater honor and glory. Amen.
Please receive the words of our Lord;
I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them.    ~ Matthew 18:19-20
A Prayer for Leadership:
Gracious God we ask for You to guide our nations leaders. May Your wisdom give our leaders insight and reverence for the well-being of life. May the words of our Lord strengthen them as they discuss, plan, and implement methods for dealing with COVID-19. May Your presence sustain them with enduring peace and a steadfast hope that prevails beyond our present struggles and uncertainties. In the name of our God we pray. Amen.
A Prayer for Medical Professionals Treating the Ill:
God, our protector of life, we ask You to lend comfort to the medical personnel who are tirelessly working to keep people healthy. Please remind them of our sincere appreciation and concern for their well-being. May we continue to support them and pray for them until this raging tempest dissipates. Provide them a sense of serene peace amid this storm and with Your strong uplifting presence reassure them of Your divine love. In the name of our God we pray. Amen.Â
A Prayer for those suffering from Covid-19:
God we humbly beseech You on behalf of those who are suffering from Covid-19, to answer our prayers. Are hearts our laid prostate before You and we ask You to hear us as we intercede for those who feel helpless, without voice, and in great fear. Do not let our feeble doubts assail us in this crisis, may we be resolute in our prayers and trust in You. Please, intervene in their lives and prevail against their distress and give them a vibrant understanding of Your grace and mercy. Awaken our hearts to be more compassionate for them and further our resolve to pray for their well-being. In the name of our merciful Lord Christ.  Amen.Â
A Prayer for our Nation:
God, we are perplexed by the world in which we live. We sense Your compassion in our Lives and the certainty of Your grace, but we are overwhelmed with the sadness confronting our nation. We desire to live as those who have hope that is eternal, sustaining, and undaunted. Remind us what we mean to You and how we can live as humble servants of Your love. May we learn to love as You love and learn to give as You give and in so doing, may we grow in our gratitude for your salvific acts of grace. Amen.
Bible Passages for Reflection
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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance (v. 12).        ~ Psalm 33:12-22
I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them.         ~ Matthew 18:19-20
Then Jesus told His disciples…that they should always pray and not give up.     ~ Luke 18:1
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   ~ Philippians 4:6-7
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.       ~ 1 Timothy 2:1-4