Petitionary Prayers on Shabbat
Question
Normally, we avoid petitionary prayers on Shabbat and Yom Tov. But how about if an individual or group of people are facing a crisis? Are petitionary prayers allowed on Shabbat or Yom Tov then?
What I’m thinking of a lot is the coronavirus. So many people I know personally have it and their lives are on the line. And besides, everyone in the world is in danger. Is it permitted on Shabbat to pray to G-d for their recovery and a speedy end to this crisis, given that human lives are in danger?
Answers
It is certainly permissible – and even obligatory – to ask for Divine assistance when there is something as far-reaching as a pandemic (or even “just” an epidemic) that is threatening so many people. That is why all the Shuls that I know of recited Tehillim after davening on Shabbat morning and ended with the prayer “Acheinu Kol Beit Yisrael”.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team