The Bible recounts many times of crisis in the story of the people of Israel. One of those is described in II Chronicles 20. During the reign of Jehoshaphat, the people of Judah were subjected to an enormous invasion. The Scripture reports, “Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A great multitude is coming against you.’” (II Chronicles 20:2) We of course are experiencing an enormous invasion today – an invisible one, but no less threatening.

What would King Jehoshaphat do? His primary response was to pray. In his initial prayer, he recalled the power of God. He said, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you are God in heaven. You rule over all. In your hand are power and might . . .” (II Chronicles 20:6)

There are many specific actions that we are all taking to respond to the coronavirus; but the Scripture reminds us that the most crucial action to take is to look to God. We need to remember that God is at work with power. God is here to sustain and guide. Prayer is the action of opening ourselves in trust to God, to experience anew God’s gracious help.

Daily Prayer: Move us, O Lord, to meet this crisis with prayer, and to have the assurance that You are at work today. Share on X

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About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.