Coronavirus Measures in Kenya

The first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Nairobi on March 12th. As of March 15th, there were two confirmed cases, and Kenya began introducing tight restrictions along with a  presidential directive that all schools would be closed.  As people around the world are trying to take measures to stop this pandemic, I would encourage you to pray for the students in Children of the Kingdom who are affected by this and trying to make sense of this unprecedented global crisis. 

One of our students arriving home after her university closed its doors

an unexpected family reunion as students were sent home two weeks before schools were to be on April holiday

I have adapted a prayer below and ask that you would take a few minutes to pause and pray with me for the children and for our world: 
 
Our God who is with us, Emmanuel, we come to you asking you for your help, and asking you to lend your ear in this time of need. 
Hear, our prayer O Lord.
 
As you lifted once a paralyzed man from his bed, we ask you to come and visit us, and raise our bodies and spirits.
Hear, our prayer O Lord.
 
Grant to us the gift of your Holy Spirit, that our bodies and souls may be protected from sickness.
Lord, have mercy.
 
And we pray for those who are now suffering from this disease: we ask you, O Lord, to visit them, encourage them, and heal them according to your expansive grace and love.
Lord, have mercy.
 
As you once listened to the cry of the Canaanite woman, we ask you to hear our voice, for every country hit hard by this disease.
Lord, have mercy.
 
We pray Lord for the families, friends, and medical personnel who care for the sick, and for those who are being monitored.
Be their rock.
 
Please bless all scientists, researchers, public health officials and governments who seek and prescribe treatments, and for those who are working toward a vaccine.
Be their wisdom.
 
We pray for students around the world whose schools have closed their doors and who have worries about coursework and graduation, and we pray for those students who are facing fear and anxiety about this disease.
Be their peace.

For the sponsored students in Children of the Kingdom, we ask for your protection over them and we pray for your provision for their families.  Help them to know the Lord as their shepherd all their days.  In this time, may they experience the still waters, fear no evil, enjoy the feast God has prepared for them and know God's comfort, goodness and mercy for them each day.
Be their daily bread.  
 
And for all of us, Lord, guide us so that this may be a time of reflection and good will to work to eradicate the diseases that threaten our bodies and the hate that threatens our souls.
Lord, have mercy.
 
O God our help in ages past, the God who heals and comforts; our Maker, and the Maker of wonders; the one who alone is worthy to be praised: incline your ear to us, and grant, in your mercy, the prayers of your people.
Amen.
 
Adapted from Carlos Colon’s Prayer for the Global Health Crisis

pictures from https://www.instagram.com/sallylloydjones/