Prayer in Pestilence

Written during the Covid-19 pandemic, these four essays approach the crisis from strikingly different perspectives while sharing a common concern with the reality of God in a time of fear, illness, isolation, and uncertainty. James F. Wellington challenges interpretations of the pandemic as Divine punishment, arguing instead that Christians should look for God in acts of compassion, sacrifice, and care. Andrew Norman CJN reflects on mindfulness, stillness, Quaker practice, and the contemplative tradition, exploring how silence can deepen awareness of God’s presence. Andrew Teal draws on the work of Mario Aguilar to consider poverty, vulnerability, and the discovery of God among those most exposed to suffering, while Nicholas Rundle reflects on prayer from the perspective of hospital chaplaincy, finding that people without faith nevertheless turn to prayer in times of crisis, illness, and uncertainty. Together these essays offer theological, pastoral, contemplative, and practical responses to a moment that tested assumptions about faith, community, suffering, and hope.

• Publication date: 31 July 2026
• Page count: 40
• Dimensions: Height 160 mm; Width 110 mm
• Publisher: SLG Press
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-13: 9780728305649