Creator God, the one who brought all the swirling planets together to sustain life on earth, you also made a magnificent variety of people to reflect your incredible and unlimited imagination. Before we were able to encounter this diversity, we developed a sinful image of ourselves that we alone are superior. Forgive us for our pride that denigrate others who are not like us.
We are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that most people around the world have not witnessed in their lifetimes. O God, calm our fears of contracting the virus and embolden our commitment to care for others, especially those who are most at risk economically, politically, and physically. We pray for our leaders to provide the necessary safety net for all to persevere during this time of national and global crisis.
O God, when we are frightened by this invisible virus threat, we can be tempted to look for causes and explanations to try and settle our nerves or create an artificial sense of being in control. Teach us that with the COVID-19 virus, it is sinful to scapegoat and stigmatize Asians and Asian Americans. Protect our children from being bullied at school and in our neighborhoods. Give us a voice to speak up against xenophobia that targets any group of people, for you have lovingly made us all in your own image.
Lord, we believe that this pandemic—while disruptive and disconcerting—will surely pass. We pray that as American Baptists who have been blessed immeasurably in our diversity, we will stand together as your beloved community to bear witness to your amazing creativity on earth and in heaven.
In the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Co-submitted by:
Rev. Lauren Ng
Director of Leadership Empowerment, ABHMS
Rev. Dr. Don Ng
Retired Senior Pastor, First Chinese Baptist Church, San Francisco
ABC President, 2013-15