The biblical story of the good Samaritan is a beautiful example of man’s humanity. It tells how a man helped a stranger lying hurt on the road. The Samaritan showed mercy and tender compassion, for he stopped to bandage the stranger’s wounds, took him to an inn, and paid to have him cared for in his absence. He showed an active, immediate response to another’s need, in spite of differing religious and cultural viewpoints. 

One morning, when listening to the world news about the pandemic, I had an urgent desire to help—to do something! But what? Because of my state’s policy regarding staying at home, I felt helpless to do anything. But immediately I laughed at the absurdity of this suggestion, knowing that one of the most important things anyone could do was to pray.

Selfless prayer for humanity is a powerful force in meeting human needs. It does this with health-promoting thoughts from God, which uplift, support, encourage, and bless humanity with tender love. Going into the quiet “closet” of prayer and communing with God, as Christ Jesus did and taught, silences fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. We can listen for God’s direction, and know that He causes only health and well-being. We can trust that this Truth-based prayer will meet needs in practical, timely ways. And it makes us good Samaritans.