A perpetual novena for those affected by COVID-19

Recently, when I was scrolling through Twitter, someone wanted to know if there were any organized prayer campaigns for those affected by the Coronavirus. I don't know of any, but starting one certainly is a wonderful idea. Since then I have been wanting to start something of the sort (or join it if it already exists-- to no avail as of this post). Since I couldn't find a prayer campaign to join, I have started my own.

Today, the following text was published in my parish's GroupMe. With the additions I have made to it, I plan to use this as the text of a perpetual novena (indefinitely repeating 9-day cycle of prayer: day 1, day 2, ..., day 8, day 9, day 1, ...., indefinitely repeating) for all those affected by COVID-19: patients, family, friends, researchers, and medical professionals. I invite all of you reading this post to join in the perpetual novena with me (the text will be below), and to share this so that

a.) more people can join this campaign of prayer for the sick those who care for them; and
b.) the sick those who care for them will know that they are not alone in this fight, and that we will be praying with and for them in this very difficult time.

I'm not sure there's much else I can do to help in the response to the outbreak,  but at the very least, I assure everyone of my prayers.

Text of the Perpetual Novena for the Intercession of St. Luke to Contain the COVID-19 outbreak

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.

Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care. Heal us from our fear which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another. Heal us from our pride which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.

Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

Be with those who have died from the virus. Eternal rest, grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace. Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.

Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and 

true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace as they work together to achieve it on earth.

Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.

Jesus Christ, heal us.

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.