Prayer in Time of Pestilence

Strong and almighty God! Great is Thy wrath against willful transgressors, who will not let Thy goodness lead them to repentance. For a time Thou dealest with the children of men like a loving Father, seeking by Thy long-suffering to draw them to Thyself. But when they wantonly abuse Thy grace, Thou manifestest Thyself as a stern Judge.

This we also now experience, O righteous God. We are informed that in many places a contagious disease is raging and carrying off many thousands of people, so that the dead are found in nearly every house, and hands are lacking to bury them. We are consumed by Thine anger, and by Thy wrath are we troubled. Have we not reason to fear that Thou mayest bring the disease into our midst also? Thou jealous God, we dare by no means imagine that those whom Thou hast made to feel the severity of Thy rod are sinners above others, but must rather confess that we all deserve to perish even as they. Among us also may be found carnal security, contempt of Thy Word, contumacy, luxury, fornication, unrighteousness, sinful pleasures, pride; yea, there is scarcely any fear of God in the land. The godly man ceaseth, and the faithful fail from among the children of men. If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

When Thou saidst, Seek ye my face, my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Thou desirest not the death of the sinner, but that the sinner turn from his way and live. Therefore we abhor ourselves, and repent in dust and ashes. Have mercy upon us according to Thy loving kindness; according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out our transgressions. We have followed the sins of our fathers, we have not dealt righteously, we have been ungodly. O command Thy angel of death, who wields the avenging sword, to withhold his arm; and say to him, It is enough. Let us live, and we will praise Thy name. Though we are not worthy of Thy grace, we are yet in need of it. Though we are all children of death, Thou hast promised to be merciful to the penitent. O then, bestow Thy grace upon us, and grant us life for the sake of Jesus, our only Mediator and Intercessor. Have mercy, have mercy upon us,

Thou God of mercy. Be gracious unto us; spare us, good Lord. Be gracious unto us, help us, O Lord God.

Have mercy upon the poor and needy who have been attacked by the pestilence; who suffer hunger and privation; who lack all care; and who are forsaken by all men. Support them with Thy consolations; and let Thy Spirit bear witness with their spirit that they are Thy children, even though they die of this pestilence. O Lord, hear our prayer; protect our country. Then will we say: The Lord hath done great things for us. Yea, Lord, Thou canst deliver all who call upon Thee. Amen.