St. Luke's Bells Are Tolling for All Those Affected by COVID-19
Prayer connects us and lets others know they are not alone, that they are supported by people of faith who care. Cardinal Cupich has asked that all churches in the Chicago area ring their bells five times a day as a reminder to pray for all those affected by the Coronavirus. The prayer times will ring every three hours from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. Each of the five prayer times will be dedicated to a specific group particularly impacted by the pandemic, as listed below.
9:00 a.m. - Prayer for those infected with the virus and all who are ill: Lord, place your healing hand on those who suffer illness. Bring them to full health and ease their anxious hearts. May our prayer and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary encourage them that they are not alone. We ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
12:00 p.m. - Prayer for health care workers and those attending to the sick: Lord, we are ennobled by those who put their lives at risk in caring for the sick. Keep them safe and embolden them when they are weary. We ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
3:00 p.m. - Prayer for first responders and essential workers: Lord, we pray for those who run to danger to keep us safe and those who serve the common good. Embrace them with your mantle of protection and comfort the fears of their families. We ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
6:00 p.m. - Prayer for people of every nation and their leaders: Lord, the pandemic opens our eyes to see each other as brothers and sisters in one human family. We pray for people of every nation and their leaders, asking that they be inspired to seek the good of all and quell the voices of division. We ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
9:00 p.m. - Prayer for those who have died today: Lord, we grieve the passing of our sisters and brothers who have died this day. We commend them to your tender mercy, confident that nothing, not even death, will separate us from your love. We ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
Download a copy of the prayers here.