Late Stage Pandemic Prayer

God of hope, we need your presence here,
because sometimes hope is in short supply.
We’ve been dealing with this pandemic for a year,
and we are so very tired of this all.
Thank you that scientists were able to develop vaccines in short order
and we celebrate that some people have had their shots already. 
We need your help with this vaccine rollout to make it fair,
so that the most needy get it soonest. 
We pray for countries where no vaccines are available,
and where cases are climbing with no end in sight.
The vaccine is too late for too many—
too many people have died, too many families are grief-stricken. 
Our prayers at this late stage are short and heartfelt;
for the sick—your healing,
for health workers—strength,
for the teachers—patience,
for the business owners—creative solutions,
for the lonely—people to reach out,
for our whole world—an end to this pandemic.
God of grace, wrap the world in your healing arms.
Place your hand on our foreheads, bend close
and whisper words of hope.