It was a few months into the Coronavirus pandemic. I was sitting at my computer selecting bible verses to use on some memes I was making to share on social media. I had just selected Ephesians 6:18. It seemed a fitting verse for this time. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert, and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Now is certainly a time when much prayer is needed. We need to pray for each other. There is a pandemic in progress and many people are hurting. They are hurting physically, spiritually, financially, and emotionally. It is truly a trying time. We all have concerns. Our country is going through a turbulent time also. People are concerned about the future. We know God doesn’t want us to worry. We know we must trust in Him to see us through this. We take comfort in the assurance of His salvation. We look around at all the suffering and loss in so many lives right now and we are reminded that so many need our prayers.
The words, “be alert” particularly struck me as I read this verse. I try. Really, I do. Sometimes I try harder than others. But in my imperfection, sometimes it is easy to get caught up in my immediate concerns, especially during trying times. I focus on my health, my household, my immediate family, and my immediate friends. But God would have us focus on all of His people. 
To focus on others, we must remain alert. We must be aware of what is happening all around us. We need to stay in touch, comfort, and encourage each other. Some people may need our help. Some may just need to hear a friendly and caring voice on the phone. Some may need financial support. Some may need a bag of groceries. Some may need prayers. Because our abilities and resources are not all the same, we do whatever we can do. But to make any of it work, we must “be alert”.
Being alert can cause anxiety. It is hard to see and hear of people suffering…especially those we know and care so much about. What a wonderful time to be able to fully unleash the power of prayer. At a time when we can feel so helpless, we have available to us one of the most powerful tools God has given us. With folded hands and bowed heads, we have a direct line to our Heavenly Father. No 5G necessary. No smart phone. No monthly bill. All that plus unlimited minutes and never a dropped call, unless we cause it.
As I thought about this verse, I had a talk show playing in the background on TV. I seldom have TV on when I am looking at bible verses, but the topic of the day interested me. They were interviewing a doctor about COVID-19 and some new findings. They were sharing information that had not yet been widely disseminated. As I listened while I worked, I suddenly caught a phrase the doctor said. “Stay alert, not anxious,” he said. Wow! This complimented the bible verse I was looking at during the very moment the doctor said that.
I immediately read the verse again. Yes, the verse did say to “be alert”. What should we be alert for? Well, the people we should be praying for. The Lord’s people. Our church family. People of faith. Our relatives. Our friends and neighbors. Certainly we should be alert of the entire COVID-19 situation in order to try to keep ourselves and others safe, as well. There is much happening on the world stage and within our country right now that we need to be informed of as well. Strangers need our prayers too. It is hard to listen to the news. We are to keep on praying for all of the Lord’s people. Now that is going to keep us very busy, isn’t it? Being busy and focusing on others will probably will help keep us from being so anxious.
So how can we “be alert”? After all, we are physically distanced. Life is not normal. Pick up the phone and call others to check on them. Listen. Ask how they are doing. Pray for them. Pray with them. Start a prayer journal. Make a list of people to pray for daily. Pray continually. Yes, you know…1 Thessalonians 5:17.
So friends, be alert and keep on praying. With all kinds of prayers and requests. The list is growing…there’s no shortage of topics or people to pray for.
The pandemic has impacted almost every part of daily life. The grocery stores have set limits on our purchases. At one point we could get only three cans of vegetables per visit. Only one package of toilet paper. One visit per week. Limited social contact. Limited and cautious doctor visits. And the list goes on.
Fortunately, God has no limits. Never has, never will. We are encouraged to pray on ALL occasions, with ALL kinds of prayers and requests. We are to keep on praying for ALL of the Lord’s people. No limits. No rations. Just pray…as much as you want. Oh, and don’t forget to be alert.