Pandemics are nothing new to human history. Over 100 years ago, the Spanish Flu killed an estimated 50 million people worldwide. During the Middle Ages, the “Black Death” brought waves of death throughout Europe. During some episodes as many as one-third to one-half of the population died. “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

We are not to think that God causes some to get the virus and some no,t but rather He permits these experiences as all part of the original condemnation on the human race when God told Adam, “Dying you will die” (Genesis 2:17).

How should we pray about the coronavirus?

Prayer is aligning our hearts and minds with God’s will. We may desire something, but our desire may not be in harmony with God’s plan.  Even Jesus prayed, “not my will but Thy will be done” (Mark 14:36). Jesus, “who, in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears…was heard because of his godly fear, though he was a son, yet he learned obedience by the things which he suffered” Hebrews 5:7-8.

Thus, to align ourselves with God’s will, we should pray as Jesus taught us, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). It is only when God’s kingdom comes that all pain and suffering will cease. The coronavirus and all harmful viruses will be destroyed when Christ fully establishes his kingdom. Then the coronavirus and even death itself will be defeated. “For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:25,26) .

Can we be more specific in our prayers? 

When Israel was in bondage in Egypt, for generations they prayed for a deliverer. In God’s time, He answered their prayers. “I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters for I know their sorrows. And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians” (Exodus 3:7,8). Just as God used Moses to deliver Israel, so the Lord will use a greater than Moses (Jesus Christ and his faithful saints) to deliver all mankind. “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall ye hear in all things.” (Acts 3:22)

In the meantime, let us follow the heath directions outlined in the Law – good hygiene and quarantine (See Leviticus 13:44-59). Today, we may also include vaccines and medicines. 

“Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1145: “Is Your COVID-19 Christianity Still Being Tested?”
Action steps to prevent COVID-19 from compromising our Christianity
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated Video: “Did God send the Coronavirus?”