Weekly Prayer – April 19, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of April 19, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

O God of Resurrection Power, as we live into our Easter faith, we remember the disciples and their visits with Jesus after ‘the third day.’  

  • Mary being surprised by him in the garden, but hearing your name;  
  • Thomas missing out on the group meeting and asking reasonable questions;  
  • Cleopas and his friend who walked with him all that way and did not recognize him until after he had broken bread and departed;  
  • Peter and the others fishing and seeing a familiar figure (but they dare not believe) on the shore. 

If we were to write our accounts, Jesus, what would we add to the gospel writers’ stories? Where have we seen you? Have we even looked for you? 

As we look back over our day, where have you surprised us, O Christ? As we think back over encounters, were you speaking to us? Was that you nudging us, Jesus? Was that you, causing us to rethink and take a second look? 

We want the alleluias from two Sundays ago to reverberate in our soul, but we get distracted by other chants and voices. We hear the anguish of citizens who are concerned about gun violence and the cries of parents whose children have died. We hear the concern over our denomination and churches leaving to go out on their own. We hear government leaders making promises about safety. We hear people who are sick pleading for healing.  

O God, as we lay our head down this evening, our prayer is that we can intertwine the Alleluias into the needs and struggles of this world. We cannot keep them separate; forgive us when we try. If we praise you in church, then we must trust that you are working in your world. May we see you along the road and in the boardroom and at the school and in the offices where decisions are made. How might we utter or cry out alleluia – proclaiming Resurrection power in our everyday living. 

We thank you for words of promise and praise from our scriptures: 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. (1 Peter 1:3-4) 

May our first word in the morning be, Alleluia! May we mean it! 

In the name of Jesus we pray …. 

We pray for ….

  • A couple who is moving from Florida to be close to sister and brother-in-law here in Knoxville. Sister has brain shrinkage and  dementia. Thankful they can move closer so her family can help with her care. Prayers for our church members who are preparing to welcome them into the neighborhood and care!
  • One of our church’s unhoused neighbors: to give him peace from his concerns, protection in his unhoused status and grace as he makes his self-appointed rounds to remove trash at the downtown churches.
  • A member’s son who lives out of state and who is having such a difficult time. Serious medical issues; his best friend has had heart attack and is in coma; and, his wife is wanting a divorce. Prayers for his health as he faces all of these overwhelming circumstances. 
  • A couple’s 24-year old daughter who has had to move out of their home. Prayers for her well-being and theirs.
  • A young boy who is dealing with brain cancer and complications from scar tissue; prayers for his parents who were preparing for his surgery and then told that is not feasible.
  • Governor Lee
  • Members of a Sunday School class who hold each other in prayer each week.
  • A member who has been diagnosed with lung cancer
  • Friends who are struggling with family situations and finances
  • A sister who is waiting on results of PET scan

We continue to pray for …

  • Those who are grieving after the sudden death of loved ones
  • A member who was injured at work
  • A friend who is waiting for diagnostic tests

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • Our daughter who is pregnant with our second grandchild.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

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Weekly Prayer – April 12, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of April 12, 2023

Rev. Tim Best

This week’s prayer is from in-person worship on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. 

Gracious and loving Lord,

We praise and glorify you as we celebrate your defeat of all the forces of sin and death. We join our hearts and voices together in singing hymns and in shouts of joy and celebration, singing and proclaiming “Christ our Lord is risen today”. We praise you because we are so aware of the power of death. Creation groans under the weight of all those powers and principalities that seek to undo, to destroy, and to steal our hope. In our lenten journey we have known and named such pain and loss. In the light of this Easter Day we find hope in the face of grief and loss. Fill us with an Easter hope that will stay with us through the year ahead.

Lord, with the confidence of resurrection,

We are not afraid!

God,

You who breathed life into all creation, breathe upon creation new life today. We see in our midst symbols and signs of your sustaining grace. We see the trees turning green again, colors and hues give new beauty to the landscape that for many months has seemed bleak and dull. We praise you for the beauty of creation, the bounty of your resources, and our calling to care and tend for the earth. Where we have used our resources unwisely or with selfish intent, forgive us. When nature has caused damage to the homes and communities of others, move us to action. When we have abused and neglected that to which we are charged to care for and steward, by your mercy guide us to change. Let us discover in your resurrection the strength to work towards a creation in harmony with itself. May we strive to embrace and embody a creation that fully reflects your peaceable kingdom.

Lord, with the confidence of resurrection,

We are not afraid!

Lord Jesus Christ,

In your triumph over the cross you show yourself to be greater than all the powers of this world. Rulers and kings sought to destroy you through violence and death, and yet you overcame the violence of the cross and the darkness of the tomb. When we are lured by the powers of this world, remind us of your strength, your grace, and most of all your loving mercy. Our hearts are so often filled with division and anger towards the “other”. The other that votes differently than us, the other that lives differently than us, other that speaks and acts and prays differently than us. As Tennesseans our hearts are heavy. We need this Easter proclamation as much as ever. We pray for our leaders, those we voted for and those we did not. We pray for those who work to keep or families, our schools, our children and all in our communities, safe. When fear moves us to use our power in harmful ways, correct and guide us in your Spirit. May we trust not in our power, but in yours.

Lord, with the confidence of resurrection,

We are not afraid!

Lord of the living and the Dead,

We pray for those who we love but rest in you. Even as we celebrate the resurrection, comfort us when we mourn. Remind us that since Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead, so too, will all those whom you call forth on that great getting up morning, may we be raised to new life. As we long for that day, grant to each of us the assurance that living and dying, our life is in you. We are afraid to die, but help us that in the promise of your resurrection we would not be afraid to live boldly for you.

Lord, with the confidence of resurrection,

We are not afraid!

We pray for ….

  • Church member whose aunt died this past week; last relative in that generation. Thankful for love and precious memories
  • Church member whose friend died suddenly
  • Those who are adjusting to life after burying a loved one
  • Those who are in the hospital
  • A member’s granddaughter as she seeks God’s will about college/future decisions
  • Our sixth graders who are preparing to profess faith and receive vows of membership on April 23
  • Those who are waiting on results from heart caths, PET scans and other diagnostic procedures
  • A family who is moving out of state; may they find good connections
  • All educators at every level who are dealing with spring fever!

We continue to pray for …

  • A newborn (who came very early) in NICU; thankful for his strength and loving family!
  • A young father going through chemo

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • Expressions of kindness and love after death of a family member
  • Easter! 
  • A couple who is engaged; prayers as they plan for their future together!

And now, because we can be confident in the resurrection, we offer these prayers to you in the name of the one who taught us to pray, saying…

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

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Celebrating Easter

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Stay with Us

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023 — Evening

By Rev. Catherine Nance

Stay with Us

Read: Luke 24:28-29

“As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them.”

We remember the words from Good Friday, “It is finished.” We might be tempted to say the same thing this Easter evening. With a sigh of exhaustion or satisfaction — maybe both. It is finished. Easter is over. It was glorious!

Some of you gathered early this morning for a sunrise service. Many have been involved in Lenten studies, choir rehearsals, and Lenten collections. Today will be a full day of joyful worship and gathering with family and friends. As night comes, we feel tired, but what my mother would call a good tired; physically and emotionally spent from all the celebration. It is over.

As we prepare to retire for the evening, I encourage you to say instead, “It is beginning.” 

The two men on the road back to Emmaus had no idea who their traveling companion was but encouraged him to remain with them as night was falling.

On this Easter, we do know who our companion is. We do know Jesus is risen. We do not put Easter away. Thanks be to God! Jesus remains with us, abides with us. On the church calendar, we observe Easter for fifty days.

Get a good rest tonight … Easter is beginning!

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for a glorious Sunday morning! May all of the joy of Easter spill over into Monday morning and the next day and the next day. Stay with us. Abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel! Amen.

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He Arose!

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023 — Morning

By Katie Heatherly

He Arose!

Read: Psalm 130

I have to say that I cannot think of an Easter season without hymn 322 “Up from the Grave He Arose”. This song has been a staple in my family for funeral and Easter services alike. My dear grandfather introduced this song to me as a child. He tragically passed away when I was 8 years old. I can vividly remember hearing this song and thinking of him with our risen Lord in heaven.

What more do we need as Christians, be we 8 or 108, than this assurance in Christ from the chorus of the hymn: Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph o’er his foes; he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever, with his saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Prayer (from Psalm 130)

Out of the depths I cry unto thee, O Lord! Lord, hear my cry. Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If thou, Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou may be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word do I hope. Amen.

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We are the Church!

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Holy Saturday, April 8, 2023 — Evening

By Beth Stubbs

We are the Church!

Read: Psalm 115:14-18

Many years ago when I was serving on the committee at the church designated to raise the church budget, about $1.5M, it became clear that we might not be able to raise the amount needed. There have been many times that this was the case. I cannot remember the exact composition of the committee, but someone said, “It seems that we are always asking folks to give, but when they do, we don’t celebrate all that we have received. Let’s have a celebration after the campaign comes to a close — whether we make our goal or not!” As you can imagine, a few were skeptical … a celebration if we do not meet the goal? Ultimately the naysayers were convinced to celebrate … no matter what.

As the dialogue turned to what this celebration would look like, it took the shape of a potluck dinner with a show of talents, all ages, from church members who normally do not show their talents. There would also be prayers and hymns sung. Names were given of those who played instruments, sang, would be good Masters of Ceremonies, or were good cooks. Of course, I volunteered my family. My husband Tony had been teaching Thomas, our 4-year-old-son, to sing. We thought that if Tony were up on the stage with Thomas, that Thomas would not be afraid to sing to the crowd. Someone from the Children’s department had taught Thomas the refrain to “We Are the Church.” The refrain goes:

“I am the church! You are the church. We are the church together!

All who follow Jesus, all around the world! Yes, we’re the church together!”

It was a great evening indeed. About 250 people packed into the Parish Hall, eating and having great fellowship. I heard people entertain the group that I had never met, folks from Murphy Builders, and several other Sunday school classes. The program went off without a hitch and Thomas sang his song, “We Are the Church,” and then asked the crowd to sing with him. Thomas was not afraid. I believe the Lord was with him then and now. The Lord is with all of us. We need to celebrate and give witness always. The gifts that God gives us are immeasurable. When I begin making my list of gifts from God, the list goes on and on, and then I realize … it is ALL from God. I am so grateful for his love and for his son, Jesus.

Prayer

May we all give thanks for the mystery and the victory of Jesus’ resurrection and celebrate what has been given us through his life and death Amen.

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Beneath the Cross

Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Holy Saturday, April 8, 2023 — Morning

By Verna McClain

Beneath the Cross

As a youth, I would walk to my church on Sunday evenings for my MYF, as it was then called. It was safe to walk around our small town, even at night. I always sang in a choir, so music was a part of my daily life. “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” spoke to me; especially parts of the second verse: “Upon that cross of Jesus mine eyes at times can see the very dying form of one who suffered there for me.”

I have dedicated myself to serving Christ throughout my life in whatever form I was called on to serve. I was a short-term missionary for the Methodist Church in Brazil after college and as a social worker in Knoxville for over 50 years, I was serving God in helping children, youth and adults to have better lives. So I still find myself singing or humming this song written back in 1872.

Prayer

Beneath your cross, Jesus, I fain would take my stand; the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land. Amen.

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O Sacred Head Now Wounded

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Good Friday, April 7, 2023 — Evening

By Ann Reego

O Sacred Head Now Wounded

Read: John 19:2

Imagine a hymn so powerful that it has been a favorite and beloved Passion Hymn for 900 years! That is the story behind O Sacred Head, Now Wounded. Written by Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), it was based on John 19:2. I fell in love with J.S. Bach’s harmonization in college when my first theory assignment was to copy it from the Episcopal hymnal. Later we sang it and studied the flow of each line and how it emphasized Christ’s death and anguish through dissonance and moving parts. This hymn makes me feel as if I am at the feet of the cross.

Prayer

God, bring us to the cross this Lent with aching hearts and broken spirits so that when we awake on Easter Sunday, our hearts and healed and our spirits are lifted and ready to follow the risen Lord. Amen.

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Seeing the Love in His Glance

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Good Friday, April 7, 2023 — Morning

By Suzanne Matheny

Seeing the Love in His Glance

Read: Psalm 22:1, Mark 15:34, Matthew 27:46

“‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’”

Read: John 14:20

“‘On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.’”

Sister Monica Joan, elderly nun/midwife, is a favorite character in the BBC series, Call the Midwife. She suffers from dementia and feels purposeless. Yet, she has moments of lucidity and wisdom, with surprising clarity of memory or piercing observations. Yet, a day comes when she has a crisis of faith, despite her decades of prayer and service. She is distraught, questioning God, feeling lost.*

Biblical stories attest to God’s people, even God’s son, were subjected to doubts or feeling forsaken. Is it possible that any person of finite mind has not felt this tension? Spanish mystic, St. John of the Cross, coined the term “dark night” of the soul. And, recently, we have learned that Mother Teresa, in the midst of having done so much good, struggled with her doubts. What are we to think? We are human. We are not exempt. The irony is that wrestling with this tension may deepen our faith.

Sister Monica Joan also dreams of a white stag that becomes her symbol of knowing God’s presence – the Divine blessing she needs. In later scenes, she does see that white stag and exclaims, “I knew him at once for the love in his glance.”** In those dark nights, when we yearn to know God’s presence, it may seem elusive; and we are left to exercise faith that Christ is, as he said, in us. We may also need to learn new ways of seeing so that at once, we know him for the love in his glances.***

Prayer

Love Divine, pure unbounded love that You are, open our eyes that we may see anew your presence in us and catch new glances of Love You send our way, in whatever form they may come. Amen.

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*Call the Midwife, BBC drama, Season 10, Episode 1.

**Call the Midwife, BBC drama, Season 9, 2019 Holiday Special.

***Lloyd, Samuel T., III. Sermons from the National Cathedral: Soundings for the Journey, pg.43-47.

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Calling Me Home

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Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Maundy Thursday, April 6, 2023 — Evening

By Dan Kelley

Calling Me Home

Read: Joshua 24:15

“Choose ye this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

I was 10 years old when my family moved from Saint Louis to Northbrook Illinois, a suburb about 25 miles north of Chicago. At the time it was a village of about 9000 people. We lived on Ferndale, a two block long street nestled next to the Sommes Woods Forest Preserve. Many children of different ages, different nationalities, and ethnic backgrounds lived on our street. The one thing we had in common in the neighborhood was when Mrs. Johnson rang her bell, play time was over. We all came out of the woods, or off the ball fields, or out of the street and went home when the bell rang.

My mother had her own signal. It was her whistle. She would place her two pinkies in her mouth and blow. It did not matter whether her hands were dirty from working in the garden or they were covered in silk gloves with little pearl buttons. The sound was the same. It was not shrill and it was not real loud. It was a pure tone that went up half a step at the end. It was mom’s whistle and it always got my and my three brothers’ attention immediately. It said, “Come to me now”.

When I was in the Army at Ft Dix, New Jersey, I was in the Philadelphia Airport with about 10,000 other soldiers trying to get home for Christmas. Unbeknownst to me my mother had flown to Teaneck NJ to visit my brother and see her first granddaughter. She was in the airport also and spotted me out of all the other soldiers. She whistled. I immediately came to attention and started searching. I knew that sound. It could only be my mother’s whistle.

Years later I was in a hotel parking lot in Atlanta. My parents were in another hotel across a busy six lane highway when my mother saw me. She whistled. My dad told her that I could not hear her. But I immediately turned around and waved. Dad asked, ”How do you do that?” She said,”That’s my boy. He knows my whistle”.

We inevitably got teased by our friends for our rapid response to the whistle. They said we were trained like Pavlov’s dogs. We did not care. We knew whose call that was and we knew who’s we were. That call belonged to someone who loved and cared for us. Who only wanted the best for us. 

In this Easter season we need to re-examine who’s we are and who is calling us. The someone calling us, loves us and cares for us. And wants the very best for us. As John reminds us, “He goeth before them, and his sheep follow him: For they know his voice.” Are we answering his call like we know his voice?

Prayer

Dear Good Shepherd, Silence in us any voices but your own so that we may hear your voice and go where you would lead us. Amen.

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