Widowhood is not to be coveted. Even though life for the widow eventually finds a new normal, it is hard, lonely, and scary. However, when the outside world is shaken, as with the current pandemic, it is easy to fall prey to greater distress – grief is heavier, loneliness is amplified, and fears multiply. She desperately needs to be carried by the prayers of others.
Would you please pray for the widow during COVID-19?
Dear Lord,
It is comforting to know that you are omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. You are in complete control of what is taking place in our world today. Nothing takes you by surprise, and you hold us in the palm of your hand. Thank you that your faithfulness is a shield and rampart for those who trust in you. We do not need to fear the “terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” I come to you on behalf of the widow. May she make you her refuge. Protect her from harm and disaster. Send angels to guard her in all her ways. Cover her with your feathers and let her find protection under your wings. Thank you that you are a defender of the widow.
In Jesus name, amen.
Here are 12 encouragements from scripture that you can pray over and share with the widow in your life:
- Pray that her focus is in the right place. May Philippians 4:8 be the guardrail for her perspective.
Lord, let the focus of the widow be on things that are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely. Bring to her mind things to be thankful for and worthy of praise. Lead the widow to fix her hope on God continuing in prayer night and day. (1 Timothy 5:5)
- Pray for peace to guard her heart.
Lord, keep the widow from being anxious, but instead let her cast her cares on you. Thank you for the promise of perfect peace for those who keep their mind on you. Teach her how to pray and trust you during these uncertain times allowing her to experience peace that surpasses understanding. (Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:6)
- Pray that when she is afraid, she will put her trust in God.
Lord, your word says that when we are afraid, we are to put our trust in you. Help the widow during this crisis to cry out to you when she is scared. (Psalm 56:3)
- Pray that she will not give into a spirit of depression.
Lord, protect this precious widow from sinking into depression. Bind up the evil spirit of depression who has waited for this opportune time to take advantage of her. Give her a sound mind. But you, LORD, are a shield around her, her glory, and the One who lifts her head. (Psalm 3:3)
- Pray for protection from sickness or for complete healing if she has contracted COVID-19.
Lord, please protect her and her family from all sickness. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected those in the house, may the blood of Jesus Christ protect her from this virus. We pray for complete physical and emotional healing as well as complete restoration of her soul.
- Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit during this time of solitude.
Lord, during this time of isolation, draw the widow into your arms. Pour out your spirit upon her and by the work of the Holy Spirit, soften her heart as only you can. (Ezekiel 36:26, Acts 1:8)
- Pray that she will feel safe knowing that you are in complete control.
Lord, let the widow make you her refuge. Let her discover that under your wings you will be her shield and rampart. (Psalm 91:4)
- Pray for her to feel God’s comfort knowing that when physically alone she is not alone.
Lord may the widow be strong and courageous during times of crisis. She has been left alone but you are with her. Thank you for the promise that you will never leave or forsake her. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
- When she is overwhelmed let her rest in you.
Lord during this time of social distancing, the widowed mom feels not only the weight of the great responsibility of managing her home but also schooling her children. Thank you for your promise in Isaiah 54:13, “All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.”
- Pray for boldness to lead her family.
Lord, widowed moms are the leader of their home. May she declare, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
- Pray for her fatherless children.
Thank you, Lord, that you promise to be a defender of the widow and father to the fatherless. When they feel the loss of dad, may they turn to God as father. (Psalm 68:5)
- Pray for courage to walk by faith.
Lord, let the widow look to you in faith. You desire to shepherd her. Even though she walks through the valley of the shadow of death, let her fear no evil knowing that you are with her. (Psalm 23)
