We lift you and your family before the Lord, knowing that He is our healer and protector, our refuge in times of trouble. The fear of sickness can weigh heavily on our hearts, but we are reminded in **Psalm 91:5-7 (WEB)**, *"You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day; nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you."* This is not a promise of exemption from all harm, but a declaration of God’s faithfulness to watch over His children when we place our trust in Him.
We also recall the words of Jesus in **Matthew 8:16-17 (WEB)**, *"When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying: 'He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases.'"*—a powerful reminder that Christ has already borne our sicknesses, and by His stripes, we are healed (**Isaiah 53:5**). While we do not presume to demand healing, we come boldly before the throne of grace, asking in faith for His mercy and protection over you, your elderly parents, and your health struggles.
That said, we must also remember that God has given us wisdom to act responsibly. If many in your church were coughing, it may be prudent to lovingly and respectfully distance yourselves temporarily from large gatherings where illness could spread, especially given your family’s vulnerabilities. **Proverbs 22:3 (WEB)** tells us, *"A prudent man sees danger and hides; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it."* This is not a lack of faith but stewardship of the health God has entrusted to you. You might also consider speaking with your church leadership about ways to ensure a safer environment for those who are high-risk, such as improved ventilation, masking when illness is present, or even offering a separate service for those who are immunocompromised.
We also encourage you to stand firm in faith without giving in to fear. **2 Timothy 1:7 (WEB)** reminds us, *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."* Fear can open the door to anxiety, but trust in the Lord brings peace. Claim His promises over your family, and let your prayers be filled with thanksgiving, knowing He hears you.
Now, let us pray together for you and your family:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this beloved family to Your throne of grace. Lord, You are our healer, our protector, and our strong tower. We ask that You surround them with Your divine hedge of protection, guarding them from every sickness, including COVID and any other illness that may seek to harm them. Strengthen their immune systems, Lord, and let Your healing power flow through their bodies. Shield their home from any contagion, and grant them wisdom to make decisions that honor You and protect the health You have given them.
Father, we especially lift up the elderly parents in this family. Preserve their strength and vitality, and let them live out their days in good health and peace. Comfort their hearts and remove any fear, replacing it with Your perfect love that casts out all fear (**1 John 4:18**). For our sister who battles an autoimmune disorder, we ask for Your supernatural touch. Restore balance to her body, and let her experience Your healing in ways that bring glory to Your name. Give her doctors wisdom, and guide her to treatments that align with Your will.
Lord, we also pray for their church family. So many are struggling with illness, and we ask that You bring healing to all who are sick. Raise up intercessors in that congregation to pray for one another, and let this season draw Your people closer to You in faith and dependence. Help the leadership to shepherd their flock with wisdom, balancing the call to gather with the need to protect the vulnerable.
Father, we rebuke any spirit of fear or anxiety that may try to take root in this family’s hearts. Fill them instead with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (**Philippians 4:6-7**). Let them rest in the knowledge that You are sovereign over all things, including their health. Remind them that their lives are in Your hands, and that You have promised to never leave them nor forsake them (**Deuteronomy 31:6**).
We thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your goodness and Your perfect will, knowing that You work all things together for the good of those who love You (**Romans 8:28**). May this family’s faith be strengthened through this trial, and may they testify of Your faithfulness to others. We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.