Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

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A Prayer on the Occasion of Receiving the Coronavirus Vaccine

Rev. Michael Woolf, with Lake Street Church of Evanston, Illinois, wrote a short prayer that may be recited before receiving the coronavirus vaccine. “Even in the midst of much suffering, I give thanks for this jab, a strange way to receive a blessing.” Read the full prayer in our post or on the Lake Street web site.

Sustainer of All,
Hold me in your care as I receive this vaccine,
The work of scientists, the labor of healthcare professionals.
Bless the swirl of molecules and antibodies,
the mystical give-and-take of my body.

Remove from me fear.
For many have gone down this path before me.
And many shall go after me.
You made all things and called them good.

Open my heart to gratitude,
Even in the midst of much suffering.
I give thanks for this jab,
A strange way to receive a blessing.

Stir my conscience to consideration of others,
That I may not forget my mask just because I am protected.
Remind me of my obligations to my community and myself,
And give me courage to receive my next dose.

Awaken me to vulnerability,
While I am a soul of light, I am an embodied being.
Draw near to me this day,
As I choose to celebrate life and community. Amen.

Rev. Michael Woolf, Lake Street Church of Evanston, IL


Rev. Woolf writes: “I have heard some joyous news as some of our community members received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. I was inspired to write a short prayer for the occasion that may be recited before you receive the vaccine. At Lake Street, we believe that everything is spiritual, and the coronavirus vaccine is no different. It is my hope that this prayer might imbue your medical experience with the sacred. Please feel free to share with those in your life who might be looking to make these sort of connections between everyday life and the holy.”