Prayer written after 9/11 attacks updated for COVID-19 crisis
A prayer composed by Israel Prize laureate Rabbi Adin Even-Israel (Steinsaltz) after the September 11 attacks in the US for world deliverance was updated by his son to address the global challenges the world is now facing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
COVID-19 quarantine. Credit: Pixabay.
Rabbi Meni Even Israel, Rabbi ‘s Steinsaltz son, explained that “my father composed this prayer during a time of great need, around September11, and now I updated it to suite our time – fighting COVID-19.”
The prayer beseeches God, “Ruler of the world, Father of mercy, Master of Justice: Have mercy and save Your children who dwell in Your world, which You created with the Attribute of Kindness. Rescue them from an unseen enemy, ransom them from death, protect them from dread.”
“Send a full recovery to the ill and the afflicted, those on respirators and in isolation; and give strength, might, and hope to Your people, Your land and Your world,” the prayer says.
The prayer is being distributed worldwide in several languages, including English, Italian and Chinese.
“The importance of this prayer is reminding the people of this world to always believe things will get better, encouraging them to be firm and united as one,” Rabbi Meni Even Israel stated.
He called for an increase of Torah study, an intensification of the service of God, “which is the service of the heart, the service of prayer,” and an increase in acts of lovingkindness.
“Together, through faith and patience, we will overcome the difficult crisis and even emerge from it. I pray for better times soon ahead of us, robust health and happiness,” he concluded.
