We offer this prayer for all medical, community, and church frontliners; for all government officials and workers involved in the fight against this disease; for all researchers and scientists involved in understanding and finding a cure against the SARS coronavirus-2; for all those who are suffering with the disease and their family; and for all our partners and donors with Carmelcare in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic and Handog Karmelo.
Just a few reminders in preparing ourselves to pray.
According to St. Teresa of Avila, there are three essential steps to a fruitful practice of mental prayer:
1) First, we must be SEARCHING for God.
2) Second, we must be willing to be ALONE with God.
3) And third, we need to look upon the Lord as being PRESENT within us.
(Please observe 2-3 minutes of silence before reading the prayer.)
LET US PRAY.
Almighty Father,
We, Your children, look to You
And beseech Your protection
As we face this formidable, yet unseen foe,
That is the COVID-19 pandemic.
We truly believe, Father, that You have walked with us
all throughout human history.
You also gave us Mary, Mother of Your Son,
Queen Beauty of Mount Carmel and Star of the Sea,
To embrace us tenderly in moments of both joy and anguish.
Help us in this time of darkness, lead us to the light.
Through You, in You, and with You, we will never fail or despair.
We ask that you guide and instruct our scientists and medical experts so that they may find a vaccine and a cure against this terrible contagion.
Strengthen and preserve those who work tirelessly and courageously in the frontlines, risking their lives so that others may survive.
Enlighten and empower our leaders and public servants, from all sectors and institutions of society, to look beyond self-interest and advocate the higher good.
Let Your Holy Spirit enkindle in our hearts the grace of compassion for those who are in dire need, and enable us to respond lovingly to the tears of the bereaved.
May we, as Your children, continue to work together in uplifting each other’s spirits, and find comfort as we faithfully proclaim our unwavering hope in Your infinite mercy.
We ask these through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, Protector of the Church, pray for us.
St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, Intercessor of the Sick and Afflicted, pray for us.
St. Therese of the Child Jesus, the Little Flower, pray for us.
Blessed Titus Brandsma, patron of Philippine Carmel, pray for us.
All Holy Men and Women of Carmel, pray for us.
Amen.