We lift you up in prayer, dear sibling in Christ, as you face this time of physical vulnerability and the weight of these concerns on your heart. It is right to seek the Lord’s protection and wisdom, for He is our healer and our refuge in times of trouble. We are grieved to hear of your exposure to illness, especially given your autoimmune condition and the age of your parents. The Lord knows your frame and remembers that you are dust (Psalm 103:14), and He is tender toward those who trust in Him. Let us turn to His Word for comfort and guidance as we bring your requests before Him.
The Scripture reminds us in James 5:14-15, *"Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."* We claim this promise over you and your family, asking the Lord to strengthen your bodies, guard your health, and restore you to full vitality. He is the Great Physician, and nothing is too difficult for Him. We also pray for peace to guard your mind, for anxiety and frustration can weigh heavily on the spirit. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, *"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."* Trust in Him, for He holds all things in His hands.
Your frustration regarding the lack of caution among some in the body of Christ is understandable, and we share your concern. While we are called to live by faith and not in fear (2 Timothy 1:7), wisdom and prudence are also gifts from the Lord. Proverbs 22:3 says, *"A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it."* It is not ungodly to take reasonable precautions to protect yourself and others, especially when health is at risk. The apostle Paul himself encouraged care for the weak and vulnerable (1 Corinthians 8:9-13). Unfortunately, some believers have allowed their convictions—or even pride—to overshadow love and consideration for others. We pray that the Lord would soften hearts and open eyes to the need for unity and mutual care within the body. Let us not judge one another in these matters but instead seek to build each other up in love (Romans 14:19).
As for the thoughts troubling you related to your exposure, we rebuked any spirit of fear or distress that may be attempting to take root in your mind. The enemy would love to magnify your anxiety, but greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), and replace fear with the truth of God’s Word. Psalm 91 is a powerful reminder of His protection: *"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ... You will 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."* Claim these promises over yourself and your family, and trust that the Lord is your shield and defender.
We also encourage you to continue practicing wisdom in how you engage with others, especially in settings where illness may be spreading. It is not wrong to kindly distance yourself or wear protection if needed—love for neighbor includes protecting them from harm as well. If others question your precautions, respond with gentleness and patience, remembering that the Lord calls us to *"let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one"* (Colossians 4:6).
Now, let us pray together for you and your family:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our sibling in Christ who is feeling the onset of illness and carrying the weight of concern for their parents. Lord, You are the God who heals, the One who sustains our bodies and spirits. We ask that You would place Your healing hand upon them, strengthening their immune system, and restoring them to full health. Protect their parents, Lord, and surround them with Your divine hedge of protection. Shield them from every germ, every virus, and every sickness that seeks to harm them. You are their refuge and fortress, and we trust You to keep them safe under the shadow of Your wings.
Lord, we also lift up the thoughts that are troubling our sibling. Replace every fear with Your perfect peace, every frustration with Your patience, and every anxiety with Your overwhelming love. Help them to cast all their cares upon You, for You care for them (1 Peter 5:7). Give them wisdom in how to navigate interactions with others in the body of Christ, that they may respond with grace and truth. Soften the hearts of those who dismiss precautions, and unite Your people in love and consideration for one another.
Father, we rebuked any sickness trying to take hold in their bodies. By the authority of Jesus’ name, we command every fever, every cough, every symptom to flee, for no weapon formed against them shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, renewing their strength and lifting their spirits. Let them feel Your presence tangibly as they walk through this season.
We thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and Your promises are sure. We trust You to work all things together for their good and Your glory. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.