Praying the News (March 26, 2020)

Published by Site News on March 26, 2020, and authored by Abigail Zimmerman, this reflection guides readers on praying through the early stages of the [[covid-19-response|COVID-19 pandemic]] using the Book of Common Prayer (BCP).

Key Prayer Intentions & Themes

• The Sick & COVID-19 Patients: Prayers for recovery and strength (referencing BCP 1928, p. 45, and BCP 1979, p. 458). Notes early pandemic statistics, including six new cases in Nebraska and over 55,000 nationwide.
• The Deceased & Mourners: Comfort for those grieving over 1,000 early U.S. deaths (BCP, p. 505).
• Healthcare Workers: Support for medical staff, citing the surge at a Brooklyn Hospital (BCP, p. 460).
• Journalists: For those exposing themselves to risk to keep the public informed (BCP, p. 827).
• The Isolated: Comfort for those separated from family, church, and community due to social distancing (BCP, p. 829).
• Creation: Finding joy and hope in spring during the crisis (BCP, p. 814).

This piece connects liturgical prayer directly to daily pandemic developments.