I Prayed have prayed
Father show us how we can share the love of Christ to others during this strange time. May we see an increase in the hunger and thirst for You!
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At the grocery this morning I was surprised to see fear had set in overnight.  It could have something to do with our local school system closing immediately due to the coronavirus.  Possibly a response to seeing the President address the nation from the Oval Office, although I felt his speech was a good mix of caution and reassurance. But whatever the trigger that set my neighbors to make a Y2K-level stock-up at the grocery, it was here.  I gathered my things–my cart looked bare compared to the heaping carts I saw around me.  People were either shocked and disgusted or zombie-like in their shelf-emptying, cart-filling quest. I admit I was getting some things for the potential that a quarantine would be in effect, but I was not about to get caught up in the mass panic I saw around me.  The lines were long and people were overwhelmed.

I made an effort to smile at others, reassure people that shelves would surely be restocked soon, and tried to bring some kindness to the store workers who were trying to keep up.  I thanked the store manager for their hard work, we joked about job security.  I told her I would be praying that things are calm at the store and that they don’t experience angry customers or additional shortages. As I wheeled my groceries out to my car, I saw a police officer cruising through the parking lot. His window was down and as he slowly drove by, being the people-person that I am, I said hello.  As we chatted about the surprising panicked response of people to the virus, I asked him how our intercessors could pray for law enforcement at this time. He thought for a minute and said, “Honestly? Pray for patience–on both sides.” He also shared that public panic makes any situation worse, and difficult for law enforcement.

As we pray for the overall coronavirus impact, don’t forget to pray for those front-line personnel who are dealing with an overly-panicked public in many cases. Keeping order is a hard job.  Pray for your local grocery store employees, for the doctors and nurses in your local practices and hospitals,  and yes, for law enforcement. Pray for calm and patience for all as they seek to serve, maintain order and reassure the public. Let them know they are being prayed for–they could use the encouragement.

I read a report last month about the “yellow angels” in Wuhan, China–Christians who took the opportunity (and risk) to share hope in Christ with others during a very scary time in their city. I am inspired. No, we in America are not experiencing Wuhan conditions or risks by any means, but the panic and fear people are feeling is real to them. Let’s use this situation to bring the kindness, peace, encouragement, and hope of Christ to those around us.  The police officer I spoke with was grateful that I asked how intercessors could be praying–how I could be praying–for him and his law enforcement colleagues. He responded with thanks and that prayers make a difference.  They do.

(Article by Kris Kubal, IFA Staff.)

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Joan McKinney
March 20, 2020

My son is a law enforcement officer in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the nation. They have been instructed not to make lower level arrests and then they are dispatched to domestic disturbances and drug calls. It is very confusing and more dangerous than ever, and it was already very dangerous. Please pray for all of law enforcement and first responders now and when this present crisis is over. Police officers are always at war and it has gotten worse in the last few years.

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Kimberly Hartfield
March 13, 2020

Thank you to all who prayed with me!

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Mari
March 13, 2020

What the devil meant for evil; GOD can work together for good. GOD is bigger than this virus. GOD can flick this virus off the planet with a word. Let us pray that GOD will use this plague to cause people to know their need of HIM, and to turn to HIM at what is a time of great apprehension for many, but also a time of great opportunity for Christians to share their faith in our all powerful, all loving, all merciful GOD.

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NoLasy
March 12, 2020

God, I pray for the peace of God that pssses all understanding fill our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord. Holy Spirit fill the atmosphere and replace all spirits of fear and dissention. Hide your people under the shelter of your wings, woo the lost with your comfort, peace and divine protection through Jesus Christ who bore our sins in His own body and has redeemed us with His own life blood.

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Jane Fain
March 12, 2020

Lord, I pray for all your children during this time. The scripture tells us, We have “the mind of Christ” and that “God has not given us a spirit of FEAR, but of POWER, LOVE, and a SOUND MIND” . We as believers need to exercise our gifts from God like our President is doing and not let this virus overtake us with those things that are not from God. Like fear/panic. Certainly do those things that we should be doing anyhow (hand washing, and covering a cough) but not fear. Pray for the elderly, which we will all be someday if not already and pray for those who have the common flu.
For their recovery. I know I will certainly add my prayers to ones already signed in for our law enforcement, and all who work in the medical profession. Thank you, Have a wonderful day. 🙂

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Kimberly Hartfield
March 12, 2020

Lord Jesus, i pray for my husband ROCKY and son TOMMY and all other law enforcement officers in my community and America, that they will be protected from others impatience and have patience themselves in dealing with a frantic public. I ask that you put a hedge of protection around them and keep them safe from harm as they seek to serve their fellowman. Protect them from exposure to the virus and keep them well in order to do their jobs. I ask all these things in Your precious and holy name, Jesus. Amen

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    Kris Kubal
    March 12, 2020

    Yes, Lord, we are in agreement and pray for Rocky and Tommy and all other Law Enforcement Officers and people on the front lines of helping citizens. Protect them, give them wisdom and favor.

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Diana Beckemeyer
March 12, 2020

Our Father in Heaven, God Almighty, May Your peace that passes all understanding prevail. Give wisdom to our leaders, President Trump, VP Pence, state governors, law enforcement. AND the people, may they all TRUST in GOD with all their hearts, minds and souls, and not rely on their own understanding. Remember what Jesus gave to us.
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.

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Darlene Estlow
March 12, 2020

Father, I pray for patience and peace to those who serve the public in this crisis. Bring peace, Father, that overcomes fear. May your people bless people and be blessed by your presence. May we trust you.

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Rochelle D Renninger
March 12, 2020

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. Let all possessing the Holy Spirit express kindness beyond measure so observers can see the Holy Spirit at work. Kindness will spread peace which will help the recipient as well as law enforcement.

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    Kris Kubal
    March 12, 2020

    Yes, and we have a great opportunity to show those fruits and act in the opposite spirit.

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    Kimberly Hartfield
    March 12, 2020

    Amen

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