Let us all pray for our nation and for the world |25 January 2021
According to Wikipedia, the Covid-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January 2020 and a pandemic in March 2020. As of January 24, 2021, more than 98.7 million cases have been confirmed, with more than 2.12 million deaths attributed to Covid-19, across 190 countries worldwide.
Seychelles, a small island state, had its first positive case recorded in March 2020. We went through a lock-down and for several months we were able to contain the virus. Even after the two major elections, we were able to maintain an almost Covid-free situation. Unfortunately, by the end of the year, the situation completely changed with an increase in positive cases. By yesterday morning, Seychelles has unfortunately recorded more than 1000 cumulative positive cases of Covid-19. The country is under severe restrictions, businesses are closed down, and schools are closed also. Each one of us needs to take our responsibility to break this chain of transmission. Our doctors and nurses are working day and night to protect us and all we have to do is to humble ourselves to the most Great Power and to pray for the situation to get better and under control.
Seychelles NATION contacted the different religious denominations in Seychelles to have some prayers for the situation. Let us pray together.
Prayers about the outbreak
Keep us, good Lord under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty, anxiety and distress, sustain and support those in need, the anxious and fearful.
Give us strength and lift up all who are brought low, to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick of Covid-19 and to assure the isolated of our love and of Your love knowing that nothing can separate us from Your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
For those who are sick
Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are sick or in pain with Covid-19. Knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe.
Comfort and heal them and restore them to health and strength through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For hospital staff
Gracious God, give skills, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for those infected with the Covid-19 virus and your wisdom to those searching for a cure.
Strengthen them with your Holy Spirit that through their work many will be restored to health through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God of love and hope, you made the world and care for all creation, but the world feels very strange right now.
The news is full of stories about coronavirus. Some people are worried that they might get ill.
Others are anxious for their family and friends. Be with us and help us to find peace and solace.
We pray for the doctors and nurses and scientists, and all who are working to discover the right medicines to help those who are sick.
Thank you that even in these anxious times, you are with us. Help us to put our trust in you and keep us safe in Jesus' precious name we pray.
Amen.
Contributed by the Anglican Church of Seychelles
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Lord BUDDHA’S quotes on “METTA » - Lovingkindness
“METTA” (LOVINGKINDNESS)
In “PÂLI” language
“SABBHĪTIYO VIVAJJANTU
SABBA-ROGO VINASSATU
MĀ TE BHAVATVANTARĀYO
SUKHĪ DĪGH’ĀYUKO BHAVA.”
English translation
MAY ALL DISTRESSES BE AVERTED.
MAY EVERY DISEASE BE DESTROYED.
MAY THERE BE NO DANGERS FOR YOU.
MAY YOU BE HAPPY & LIVE LONG.
MAY ALL BEINGS BE SAFE.
MAY ALL BEINGS BE CONTENT.
MAY ALL BEINGS BE HEALTHY.
MAY ALL BEINGS LIVE WITH EASE."
Contributed by Seychelles Buddhist Association
Extracts from Tandorosti
Divine glory may be gained through virtuous living.
Health of body is essential for living long.
Oh! Thou God the Creator.
May all the righteous rulers of the world, and all their followers with their progeny live long.
May they live happily and healthily.
May their year be spent in happiness and peace.
May they maintain purity and virtue.
May they maintain excellence of Spirit.
May it be so as I wish.
In the name of Ahruamazda may my wish be fulfilled.
Contribution from Zoroastrian faith
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O heavenly Father, we praise you and thank you for the life you have given us. We need to take of what we have received. Sometimes we neglect ourselves and because of our negligence to care of our body, we find ourselves vulnerable to what comes to us. Today we are aware of our mistakes, so Lord we ask you for forgiveness for our laisser faire. From now on we'll be faithful to you and love ourselves as we love others. Alone, we are helpless, we need your help desperately. We know that you cannot forget your children. So please God be on our side on this day of suffering. Covid-19 is devastating us and bringing thousands of deaths each day in many countries and millions of cases of this pandemic. We know you are the only one to bring us Peace and Hope. The light is there but now we feel we are in a tunnel. We believe that you are healing us now and you forgive our sins, our misbehaviour. We thank you for what you bring us today: light to see inside ourselves, Peace to go on believing and Faith to walk in the darkness. Thank you Lord for everything we receive from you. AMEN.
Prayer for Help
O Lord, my God you are my refuge and my strength. You are my ever-present help in times of trouble. When it seems like my world is crumbling around me and I am thrown around by the storms of my life, take away my fear. When I am weak, you are my strength. When I am vulnerable, you are my refuge. When I cry for help, you will answer. Remind me Lord that you are always with me, you will never leave or forsake me. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Contribution from the Catholic Church of Seychelles
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Lord Dhanvantri is one of the most popular manifestations of Lord Vishnu. Lord Dhanvantri emanated from the milky ocean when the gods and demons churned it in pursuit of the immortal nectar. Lord Dhanvantri is considered the Father of Ayurveda medicine. He is the ultimate healer and the most benevolent Lord who removes all fears and diseases from the face of humanity. Chanting some of the most powerful mantras of Lord Dhanvantri will help alleviate the sufferings of humans and promote happiness and prosperity.
Lord Dhanvantri Mantra
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita-kalasha HastaayaSarva-amaya Vinashaaya Trailokya Naathaya Dhanvantri Maha-vishnave Namaha.”
Mantra Meaning:
“I bow down to Lord Dhanvantri, the Lord with four hands carrying a conch, discuss a leech and a pot of immortal nectar. In his heart shines a pleasing and brilliant blaze of light. The light is also seen shining around his head and beautiful lotus eyes. His divine play destroys all diseases like a blazing forest fire.
Dhanvantri Gayatri Mantra
“Om tat purushaaya vidmahae Amritha kalasa hastaaya dheemahiTanno Dhanvantri prachodayaat.”
Dhanvantri Gayatri Mantra Meaning:
“I meditate upon Lord Dhanvantri who is the Supreme Being and holds a pot of immortal nectar in the hands. May the Lord dispel the darkness of ignorance and light the lamp of wisdom in my heart.”
Lord Dhanvantri Popular Mantra
“Namani Dhanwanthary Aadi Devam , Surasura Vanditham Pada Padmam, Loke Jara Rugbhay Mrityu Nashakam , Datharam Eesham Vividhaushadhinam”
Lord Dhanvantri Mantra Meaning:
“O Lord, I bow down in front of you. You are worshipped by both gods and demons. Your divine powers bless the people of this world and bring them out of sufferings, diseases, ailments, oldness and fear of death. Oh Lord, give me your medicines and blessings in abundance to remedy the sickness confronting the humanity.
How to Chant Dhanvantri Mantras
• The best time to chant this mantra is before and during sunrise.
• Take bath and use a lotus bead or crystal rosary to keep the mantra chanting count.
• The mantra can also be chanted to heal those people who are sick.
• Chant the mantra in multiples of 108 and increase the count as the days go by.
• Donate medicines and food to the needy and poor. This act of kindness will enhance the power of the mantra chanting.
Contribution by Hindu Council of Seychelles
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Prayer for Healing
O God, my God! I beg of Thee by the ocean of Thy healing, and by the splendors of the Daystar of Thy grace, and by Thy Name through which Thou didst subdue Thy servants, and by the pervasive power of Thy most exalted Word and the potency of Thy most august Pen, and by Thy mercy that hath preceded the creation of all who are in heaven and on earth, to purge me with the waters of Thy bounty from every affliction and disorder, and from all weakness and feebleness.
Thou seest, O my Lord, Thy suppliant waiting at the door of Thy bounty, and him who hath set his hopes on Thee clinging to the cord of Thy generosity. Deny him not, I beseech Thee, the things he seeketh from the ocean of Thy grace and the Daystar of Thy loving-kindness.
Powerful art Thou to do what pleaseth Thee. There is none other God save Thee, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous.
Bahá’u’lláh
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Prayer for Protection
O my Lord! Thou knowest that the people are encircled with pain and calamities and are environed with hardships and trouble. Every trial doth attack man and every dire adversity doth assail him like unto the assault of a serpent. There is no shelter and asylum for him except under the wing of Thy protection, preservation, guard and custody.
O Thou the Merciful One! O my Lord! Make Thy protection my armor, Thy preservation my shield, humbleness before the door of Thy oneness my guard, and Thy custody and defense my fortress and my abode. Preserve me from the suggestions of self and desire, and guard me from every sickness, trial, difficulty and ordeal.
Verily, Thou art the Protector, the Guardian, the Preserver, the Sufficer, and verily, Thou art the Merciful of the Most Merciful.
Contributed by the Baha’i Community
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A short supplication from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him and all other messengers)
Oh Allah; The Lord of mankind
Do away with our suffering.
You are the only healer, heal us.
And there is no cure except that of yours.
It is that which leaves no ailments behind.
In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
O Allah we ask You by Your greatness and our humility that You bestow Your mercy upon us. We humbly lay our sinful selves at Your Hands. Many are Your slaves and only You are our Master. We humbly beg You as the poor begs, and ask You and call You in fear and humiliation, and call You with surrendered necks, humiliated souls and with our eyes full of tears. O Allah relieve us from all sufferings, alleviate all our worries and cure all our illnesses.
Contributed by Ahmad Labiche from the Islamic Faith
Compiled by Vidya Gappy