The men and women fighting for our nation on the frontlines of hospitals, clinics, and testing stations are worthy of our admiration. Doctors, nurses, CNAs, and medical technicians are showing up every day in the face of danger to wage battle against a common enemy — a virus smaller than the human eye can detect, that is disrupting lives and putting the most vulnerable members of our community at risk.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other."

How do we thank people whose names we may never know, and whose faces we may never see, for selflessly showing up to work each day to protect us from this pandemic? Many of us quite literally owe them our lives, and we are so grateful for their efforts to extend love and grace to families who won’t have the chance to welcome their loved one home.

Pray for our medical community:

For physical and mental well-being as they work long hours and endure a tremendous amount of stress.

For health and peace for their families at home.

For wisdom for hospital administrators and managers, and the support they need to do the next right thing.

May God bless each and every person working to test, treat, and care for our friends, neighbors, and loved ones at this time.

Let’s pray.

Lord, in the midst of a daunting situation, you have blessed our nation with men and women willing to risk their lives to serve others in the cause of health and healing. Bless the work of their hands, comfort their hearts, and protect them in the midst of this crisis. Give them respite when they are weary and bless their loved ones as they carry out this vital work. Amen.