Wake Up! Be Alert!

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Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Thursday, December 1

By Suzanne Matheny

Wake Up! Be Alert!

Read: Isaiah 2:4-5; Romans 13:11-14

“Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11b, NLT)

Advent is apocalyptic. When we hear the word “apocalyptic,” our 21st century ears often hear destruction and violence thanks to the popularity of sci-fi fictional media featuring the collapse of civilization and God’s punishment of the wicked. Instead, a truer understanding of the word “apocalypse” comes from its ancient Greek origination, meaning simply “revelation” or “disclosure.”

In the midst of this season’s festivities and celebrations, Christians are focused on the “revealing” of the coming of God into the world in the Christ child, named Jesus. We marvel at the story of Jesus’s birth as told in the New Testament gospels; but both the Old and New Testament scriptures also speak of the Advent of the Lord in myriad daily ways and ultimately when our eternal communion with God will be fulfilled. Jesus’s exhortation to his disciples to wake up and stay awake extends to us Christ-followers. Isaiah assures us that God will bring a welcomed peace among all nations and calls us to “walk in the light of the Lord” as we await God’s revelation and salvation. Paul echoes Jesus’s and Isaiah’s admonitions to wake up and to “put on the shining armor of right living,” or as one commentator* has said, “be alert to what God is doing in the world, and live in accordance with God’s coming salvation.” We do not know the hour or day of God’s revelation; but in the coming of God’s Son, we hear the call to wake up and be alert!

Prayer

God, even as you reveal yourself daily and in so many varying ways, sometimes we become complacent and fall asleep. May this season of Advent be a wake up call. May we be ever alert and ready to rejoice in your salvation.

*Susan Grove Eastman, Associate Research Professor Emerita of New Testament Duke Divinity School

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Weekly Prayer – November 30, 2022

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 30, 2022

Rev. Catherine Nance 

From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised. 

You have given us the gift of evening and daytime, O Lord; it is how we first measured time. 

Then we named the days and now we have given each day a title this season: 

Black Friday (which now lasts for weeks before Thanksgiving). Cyber Monday is when we shop online more than any other day of the year and then Giving Tuesday – sort of a repentance for the overindulging we’ve done.  

O Lord, we know that you are infinite and that you are Lord of our Life, but we feel a little more in control when we can mark time, name time, divide time into hours or minutes. We make plans for days and save the dates. We want to spend our time wisely, but also be productive, and also enjoy each moment. Oh! The expectations and burdens we place on ourselves! 

We do like a good plan! Our families and communities function better when we have our schedule and know what time events will start and end! But, remind us to pause, O God. In this season of Advent, you have called us to watch, to wait, to be prepared. As we ask, “what time is it?” may we pause to ask “how is God in this time?” When we ask ‘How much longer”, may you guide us to wonder how you are waiting with us. We do not wait well, Lord. You know this about us. 

So, our prayer this evening is for those who are waiting and wondering how much longer … 

How much longer before the doctor calls .. 

How much longer before that check shows up… 

How much longer before she says, “I’m sorry”…. 

How much longer before he is healed…. 

How much longer do we keep trying to get pregnant… 

How much longer do we have to live like this… 

How much longer before he comes home…? 

We offer prayers of thanksgiving, O God of the Nighttime and Daytime, that you are indeed with us in all time. You wait with us. You watch over us, and for us, and with us. Open our hearts and minds that we might notice you; may our spirits catch a glimpse of you as we wait. In this Advent season, we grapple with the circle – the wreath – the everlastingness of it all. Sometimes, we want straight lines and angles and turns and clear direction. Help us find solace and comfort in the circle. Love never ending. Your presence who has no ending or beginning. May that bring meaning to all of our time. 

We pray in the name of the one who has come, who is with us now, and who will come again. 

We pray for ….

  •  A member’s co-worker just diagnosed with bone cancer.
  • A Holston Conference pastor and wife whose 20-month old son died after a tragic accident. The funeral service will be at our church; prayers for Pastor Tim as he leads.
  • Those who are grieving … so many losses this past year
  • A daughter who is making choices for her mother about assisted living, follow-up rehab, etc. Such a maze to work through!
  • Church members who are dealing with physical health issues; may they feel close to God’s energizing spirit!
  • A colleague waiting on medical tests and a clear diagnosis
  • The families behind each of those Beacon of Hope “angel tree” names. Praying for happy memories for each of the families and that they feel hopeful in the coming year!
  • Church members who have Covid; thankful for mild cases. Hoping for all to stay well!
  • A member’s friend who is having surgery this week
  • A son who works out of state who is having problems with back
  • A sister who is dealing with after effects of cancer treatments
  • A father who has Covid
  • A family situation … primary caretakers are moving away. Prayers for good decisions to be made about family members who need attention.

We continue to pray for ….

  • A niece in Los Angeles looking for a job
  • Two church members who are under hospice care; giving thanks for faith in God. Thankful for supportive families.
  • Those who are caregivers and those who are making difficult decisions
  • Those who are in rehabilitation after a fall and/or surgery
  • Those who are weary with chronic illnesses and those whose bodies are ‘wearing out.’
  • A member who is dealing with depression. We pray for so many who deal with depression – who want to be at church and with family, but just cannot make that happen.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • Healthy pre-natal check ups
  • The miracle of life through organ donation; we think especially of the lives of children who have renewed hope after the death of a 20-month old.
  • Emergency personnel – firefighters, police officers, EMTs, who respond when we call!

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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Hope in a World of Chaos

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Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Wednesday, November 30

By David Lineberger

Hope in a World of Chaos

Read: Hebrews 10:23 NIV

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

What comes to your mind when you hear the word chaos? Lawlessness, confusion, disorder, and disarray are some words that might pop into your mind. We certainly live in times that could be defined using the word chaos. While many would agree that there has never been a time that was completely absent of chaos, our current political and environmental climates are acutely focused on events that could very well impact most of life today in a disastrous way. Even if we can solve our nation’s political divide, we are mindful that an even more ominous threat looms in our future with climate change. 

It is within this background that we Christians focus with renewed emphasis on the hope of the good that God brings to us all in the coming of Jesus into our hearts and minds, a hope that darkness will not prevail, but a light that will overcome it. We celebrate the arrival of God’s promise to us all, a promise of love, forgiveness, and hope for our relationship with Him, with each other, and for our joy throughout eternity. 

Some Christian traditions refer to the Advent candle of hope as the prophet’s candle. It symbolizes the joyous expectation felt in anticipation of the birth of the Messiah as foretold by many prophets, especially Isaiah. 

In these times of fear of the unknown, of a world in chaos, we cling to the one unfailing hope that is sure, that of the promise of God’s love revealed to us in the birth of our savior, the Messiah, who is God with us!

Prayer

Lord of the universe, we lay down our fears and concerns of a chaotic world at your feet, knowing that your love for us can and will overcome anything that tries to overpower us. Give us the hope and peace we celebrate in your Son, the child born in Bethlehem. Amen.

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Christmas Pandemonium

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Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Tuesday, November 29

By Barry Christmas, Congregational Care

Christmas Pandemonium

Read Galatians 6:2 NIV

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

When planning Christmas gatherings around a loved one with memory issues, it is better to skip the “Twelve Days of Christmas” and focus on “Silent Night”.  

Holidays can be a stressful time for all of us, but most especially for our family members with dementia. A room filled with laughter and voices, children running and squealing with excitement, festive holiday music playing in the background and the family dogs underfoot can be overwhelming for those who are cognitively challenged. Such a chaotic atmosphere is more than they are able to process and quickly becomes intolerable for them. They are unable to recognize some people’s faces, and struggle to remember the names of those who look familiar. They may lovingly embrace one of their grandchildren, but fail to recall their name. All of this confusion makes them want to retreat to another room and be alone.

Keep celebrations simple and on a small scale. Consider having several intimate gatherings with close relatives instead of one big party with the whole family. The grandchildren can benefit too by having their own special one-on-one time with grandma and grandpa. And if your loved one is unable to recall names, consider having everyone wear a festive name tag at all of your holiday gatherings. This will help put your loved one at ease, instead of reminding them of their worrisome memory lapses.

Unfortunately, more and more families are seeing their aging relatives develop dementia. We pray every day that the Lord will help us find the cause and a cure. In the meantime, hold your loved ones close to you and remind them you will always be there for them (even when they no longer recognize who you are).

Prayer

Dear Jesus, during this happy season of family gatherings to celebrate your birth, bless all who are caregivers and their loved ones with dementia. May they enjoy their time together, and make new and lasting memories. Amen.  

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Are Your Prepared?

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Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Monday, November 28

By Ann Reego

Are You Prepared?

Read Matthew 3:3

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, and make straight paths for him.’”

It seems that once October appeared on our calendars, the holidays just blended together into one changing grocery aisle – from orange and black candy with lots of chocolate, to shelves filled with canned pumpkin and cranberry sauce, and now to red and green in every kind of candy imaginable. The elections are over and the commercials have abandoned politicians for ads for toys, colognes, bikes and sweaters; all proclaiming great prices and “once in a lifetime” sales.

The dictionary defines Advent as arrival, appearance, emergence, materialization, surfacing, occurrence, dawn, origin, birth, rise, development, approach, coming, looming, nearing, and advance. With the antonyms being departure or disappearance.  

With the emergence of the holidays in October, and the arrival of fall, the earth develops from green to vibrant colors of red and gold, an occurrence of nature because of cooler, longer nights.  Every dawn brings new and stunning views. We enjoy rides into the mountains, and the advancing cooler days and colder nights make us head to the fire pits for s’mores.  

And now most of the trees are bare and in the approaching days we see that winter is looming and the green on our lawns will not surface until Lent or Easter. We have developed a materialized culture that is easy to join as Christmas Day draws near and makes many forget the origin of the holiday. Let us look more to the coming appearance of the Christ Child, who gave rise to our faith. His birth changed the world and He will never depart us or disappear.  

During Advent, Church Street UMC gives us many opportunities to deepen our faith. I hope you will take advantage of these events and your hearts will fill with the true meaning of the season. 

Prayer

Oh gracious Savior, we are prone to becoming caught up in the ways of man. Help us to savor and appreciate this Advent season. Bring us to Christmas Eve, eagerly awaiting your birth. In your name, Amen.  

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When There are No Words

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Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, November 27

By Rev. Andy Ferguson

When There are No Words

Read Luke 1:5-23

The Christmas story as told by Luke actually begins before the angel visited Mary to promise that she would bear a child. It began months earlier in the Temple. A country preacher, Zechariah, had been chosen to enter the Holy of Holies at the time of incense – a once in a lifetime moment for him.

Inside he met Gabriel, who came with a promise for Zechariah and all Israel. Zechariah’s response to this wonderful news was a clumsy, “Huh?” This did not sit well with the Angel, so he struck Zechariah unable to speak until his promised child should be born.

Imagine the scene: Zechariah comes out of the Holy of Holies. His eyes are wide but he is unable to speak. He gestures; he shrugs; he points. But no explanation comes out.

Years ago, I was the preacher at Camp Wesley Woods for a communion service. Unfortunately, laryngitis had taken over and my voice was fading fast. I was the only pastor around, and the plan called for Holy Communion. When it was time for the communion liturgy, my voice was gone. What could I do?

With no backup plan in sight, I stepped to the communion table and acted it out – no words. Like Zechariah, I gestured; I shrugged; I pointed. Then, I broke the bread, lifted the cup, and offered it to all who were present.

I have always connected my mime-communion with Zechariah’s silence and gesturing before his long-ago congregation. The Christmas Story began that day without words. The angel’s promise to Zechariah was shared without explanations or fancy prophecies. The best part is that people got it – at least part of it. They understood that God had visited during their hour of prayer. They understood that God was coming close and that great events were unfolding.

This is the message of Christmas in this troubled year 2022. We read plenty of words; the speeches never end. But long ago in events unspoken, the Good News unfolded. God has visited. God is coming close and in God’s coming great events are underway. This is the promise of Christmas. 

Prayer

Hush my chattering, Lord. Teach me to watch for your Christmas coming with my kneeling knees, my outstretched hands, my believing eyes. Amen.

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Weekly Prayer – November 23, 2022

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 23, 2022

Rev. Catherine Nance

It is the evening before ….. 

The evening before “Thanksgiving Day.” 

O God who knows us and loves us and understands what is in our hearts – even when we feel our hearts are a jumbled mess…. Hear our prayers. 

Where to start? 

We know we are to pray for the world and to pray for those who are hungry. And we do. We have given offerings for thanksgiving baskets (did I send in that $70.00, Lord?) and we helped fill boxes and bags (what was the name of that new person? She seemed shy but glad to help. Lord, help me remember her name. I hope she’ll come back to church). 

Lord, we pray for those who are hungry. We pray that all of the places who are serving meals tomorrow will have plenty and everyone who is looking for a place finds one. Thank you God for those churches and community centers who are serving turkey and dressing tomorrow. We pray that those who sit around the tables will feel blessed. Thank you for those who have signed up to help; they are angels on earth! (What day did they need help at the Soup Kitchen next month? I was going to call. Help me remember to call, O Lord!) For those who are eating in a hospital room or ICU waiting room … dear Lord, I cannot bear to think of them. Lord, have mercy. May they feel some sense of community on a lonely day.   

We give thanks for our families who will be gathering and pray for safe travels for all who are on the road. Lord, please help everyone use good judgment and be safe. (Is it possible to bless an interstate, Lord? Please watch over my loved ones on I-40. Why do people drive so fast? Dear God, please remind me to stop and get gas when I go to Kroger early in the morning) 

Be with all of us as we gather. Help us to focus on gratitude and not get into conversations about things that do not matter. Oh Lord, you have given us plenty to eat this day. (Dear God, please remind us that we do not need to talk about the difference between being a vegetarian and a vegan!) Help us welcome everyone at your table. 

Oh Lord, as we make preparations, we are mindful of the people who will not be here tomorrow. The family member who chooses not to come, the one who could not afford to travel, the one who is in rehab, the one who just started a new job …. May we not judge their reasons but remember to call later. We pray that those who are not ‘with us’ will find somewhere meaningful to be. (Or, that they find meaning this day. Oh God, my heart breaks when I think how things will be different this year. Is there something I could have done differently? How do I help? Help me know how to reach out.) 

We remember those who have died; we talk about the empty seat O God. Help us imagine loved ones at your heavenly banquet. May memories sustain us; may we not be overcome with guilt and grief but focus on this day and giving thanks for possibilities of memories for those who are here. (Lord, I am crying now; please don’t let me cry tomorrow; I do not want anyone to know how sad I am.) 

God who cares about everyone, I can hardly think about eating when I think of mamas and daddies not having their children with them this year. Those young men in Virginia, the students in Idaho, those innocent folks in Colorado Springs. (Lord, I cannot remember the other cities; but you know O Lord. I feel so guilty that I cannot call each tragedy to mind. But I pray for those mamas and daddies.) 

O Lord, it is the night before Thanksgiving Day and we hope for a beautiful and glorious day. You have heard our prayers and our rambling. Forgive us, O Lord, for our distracted thoughts. But, you know our hearts and know that what often distracts is what we need to say aloud to you. For all of your good gifts, O God, we give you thanks. For hearing ALL of our prayers and jumbled mess, and loving us still, we are most grateful. 

We pray for ….

  • A granddaughter who had knee surgery this past week in Wisconsin; prayers for healing and good rehab. Thankful for a good report from doctor!
  • A family in the death of their brother; prayers for comfort as funeral is planned for next week
  • A child in ICU at Children’s Hospital with severe head trauma; things do not look hopeful. We pray for God’s spirit to be present to all of the family in the way each needs.
  • People who suffer from extreme anxiety and other mental health issues. We pray for understanding and no judgment. Prayers for family members who are doing their best to support loved ones. 
  • Families and friends affected by hate crime and violence in Colorado Springs. We pray for LGBTQ persons and that we would welcome and include them. 
  • A niece in Los Angeles looking for a job
  • A woman who stopped by the church yesterday to ask for prayer before heading to her new job across the street. Prayers that God will calm her anxiety and help her focus on tasks at hand.
  • Families of victims killed in the shooting in Chesapeake, VA. Lord, have mercy …

We continue to pray for ….

  • Two church members who are under hospice care; giving thanks for faith in God. Thankful for supportive families
  • Those who are caregivers and those who are making difficult decisions.
  • Those who are in rehabilitation after a fall and/or surgery
  • Those who are weary with chronic illnesses and those whose bodies are ‘wearing out.’
  • A member who is dealing with depression. We pray for so many who deal with depression – who want to be at church and with family, but just cannot make that happen.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • A mazing volunteers this past Sunday with the Thanksgiving blitz
  • A family reunion; first time together since 2019!
  • Chemotherapy that is having positive effects
  • RETIREMENT!! Looking forward to what God has in store with new freedom of schedule. Thankful for loving co-workers who will be missed.
  • Scans that show improvement

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 – November 16, 2022

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 16, 2022

Rev. Catherine Nance

We begin with thanksgiving God! So thankful for rain! Yes, the early November days were beautiful and we enjoyed being outside, but we know your earth and your animals and your plants need the rain. We need the rain! 

May the thirsty ground soak up its goodness and may we, who have thirsty souls, soak up the goodness of your reign! May we feel you nourishing our spirits with your presence just as the rain enriches the earth. 

We do care for this globe and the cosmos, O God, and we offer our confessions when we have said there is nothing we can do to ensure that our earth heals. We say that our little bit of pollution does not amount to much and we do not want to take responsibility. We pray for governments and businesses who are in position to make changes. We pray that we as individuals have the courage to demand change and then to conserve in our own lives. We pray for ourselves, our grandchildren, the butterflies and the bees, and all of your creatures. Help us care for each other. We pray for people around the world whose communities are being destroyed by flooding and other effects of climate change. 

It is mid-week, O God, and the sounds of worship are growing dim from last Sunday. Sharpen our ears to hear the refrains from hymns and anthems. It is indeed Love that welcomed us; it is through humble service that we show we are neighbor to one another. We thank you for the words of Rev. Tillman who caused us to wonder if our neighbors know we are your followers. Let us take a deep breath and recall the spirit of unity but also conviction on Sunday. May it lead us to this Sunday where we will be renewed once more. We want our living to reflect the words we speak and sing on Sunday. 

Our hearts skipped and we listened anxiously as we heard news of a rocket in Poland. Lord, have mercy. We pray for the families in Ukraine, Poland, and Russia. We are bold to pray for the violence to stop. May greed and pride not rule the day, but a desire for the wellbeing of all.  

We are so blessed, Gracious God, to be a part of this church family and to be able to participate in the ministries here. We pray that our participation will make a difference in the lives of others. You are the head of the Church, holding all things together. Thank you, Welcoming Christ, for holding us all together. 

We offer our prayer in the name of Christ and pray with one voice the words he taught us… 

We pray for ….

  • A friend who is hospitalized fighting infection; very frightening experience as it caused hallucinations! Thankful for good care at hospital.
  • An older member who is no longer able to read; causes feeling of isolation and frustration. Thankful for supportive community where she lives.
  • A sister who is dealing with infection after cancer treatments.
  • The right person who needs a job to fill a part-time position and the supervisor responsible for hiring.
  • Two church members who are under hospice care; giving thanks for faith in God.
  • A beloved  mother and grandmother hospitalized for pneumonia
  • Those in Poland affected by violence
  • Peace and patience as a member and his sister move into assisted living
  • A sister who is making an adjustment to a new living situation
  • A dear friend, husband, father, and church member who is feeling so sick and so tired; may the medical community find some relief for his inability to eat.
  • All of the caregivers who are offering 24-hour love and support for their family members
  • Parents who are already dealing with the “I wants” of the holiday season
  • Families who are worried about the expenses of travel over Thanksgiving
  • Students at U-Va as they mourn the deaths and injury of classmates; prayers for the young man responsible. O Lord, all of their families!
  • Students at University of Idaho in wake of shooting this week
  • Our world, God’s world; praying for leaders  who are attending the world summit on climate change … COP27
  • For all the people who will be receiving Thanksgiving boxes and for all who are hungry
  • A man seeking new direction with job opportunities

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • Successful heart procedures for two of our members; thankful for skilled doctors and supportive families and friends.
  • Our youth and leaders who had a wonderful SLA retreat last weekend
  • The rain!
  • A church member who is back home from Nashville hospital
  • Beacon of Hope volunteers and all the donations

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 – November 9, 2022

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 9, 2022

Offering a “Prayer at the Close of the Day,” written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  

(copied from UMC Hymnal 689) 

O Lord my God, I thank thee that thou hast brought this day to its close. I think thee that thou dost give rest to body and soul. Thy hand has been over me guarding me and preserving me. 

Forgive my feeble faith and all the wrong I have done this day, and help me to forgive all who have wronged me. 

Grant that I may sleep in peace beneath thy care, and defend me from the temptations of darkness. Into thy hands I commend my loved ones, I commend this household, I commend my body and soul. 

O God, thy holy name be praised. Amen. 

We pray for ….

  • A church member who is hospitalized in Nashville; prayers for his parents and brother.
  • A church member with MS who is hoping to move into more suitable housing
  • A long-time church member who went into skilled rehab this week to help fight an infection.
  • A church member and faithful volunteer who experienced health concerns over the weekend; prayers for stability and good health.
  • Prayers that the Lord will lead each of us to do the Lord’s divine purpose.
  • A parent who is concerned about children’s relationship.
  • Friends who are grieving and going through difficult times
  • Those who are looking at  ‘next steps’ in career, education, life … praying for discernment

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • All Saints worship and celebration! A wonderful day to begin the month of gratitude!
  • A healthy grandbaby
  • Successful eye surgery

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 Pray – November 2, 2022

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 2, 2022

Rev. Tim Best

God of all the saints,  

In the midst of this week of remembering those holy people that have come before us, we give you thanks for those saints that have shaped our own lives. For parents and friends, grandparents and mentors, and for all those we have loved that have gone on from this life, we give you thanks. Where our hearts remain heavy, lift us up by your love and grace.  

Even as we remember the love and example of the saints and look with hope towards that day where all creation rejoices, we are mindful of the needs of our world today. Those whom we refer to now as saints are people who during their lives sought to be faithful to you despite the challenges of the world. Make your grace and presence known to those who suffer and those who feel far from you. 

In our observance of All Saint’s we proclaim that those who rest in you, rest in your peace. We pray for your peace to come near us now. As an election nears, we pray that the temptation to violence would be overwhelmed by your love. We pray for a peaceful transition of power in Brazil. We pray for peace in Ukraine. We long for the peace you promise to your saints to fill our world. Help all those who profess to be your disciples become peacemakers. We may not be able to end the war in Ukraine, or to solve political uncertainty abroad, but we can be peacemakers. When we disagree with one another, let the grace that binds us to you and to one another guide us to be forgiving, patient, and humble.  

When we look upon all the saints that you have set before us we see your love that stretches across all the sorts of people you have made. You have used the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the powerful and the powerless. Your Spirit works within folks of every nation. Your Word is known to peoples of every language. Break down the barriers that we set between each other and draw us into the community of saints from across all time and space. 

We pray for ….

  • Young man whose new job fell through; prayers for positive spirit as he continues to look for work in these difficult times. Praying that our trust is in God who is faithful. So many in the same situation!
  • A neighbor who had brain mass removed; prayers for patience as family waits on diagnosis. Prayers for healing and to feel God’s presence.
  • A recent widow offers prayers for her deceased husband’s brothers; one in hospice care and another dealing with Alzheimers. Prayers for adult children who are dealing with these stressful situations.
  • A father-in-law, age 97, who lives in Gaithersburg, had leg amputated last week.
  • Prayers for two members who are experiencing back pain … may relief be found!
  • A Sunday School class prays that our churches stay true to our conservative roots and that we will be a church that welcomes and loves all people.
  • The delegates to the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference as new bishops are elected this week.
  • A precious juvenile who has struggled so much with accepting himself he is heading to incarceration; Lord, have mercy. Have mercy on the mother who has loved him so well. And continues to do so with all of her heart. Prayers of hope being offered …
  • A church member’s coworker committed suicide and leaves behind a wife and two young children. Prayers for their well-being as well as colleagues.
  • A church member who has MS and is dealing with poor living conditions; prayers for discernment about moving.
  • Second-graders in our church (each adult Sunday School class has been assigned a grade)
  • Prayers for ‘all the saints!’
  • Friends who are going through struggles …. Lord you know their need.
  • A mother who fell; recovering in rehab facility.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • A nineteen-year old grandson who was in a horrific car wreck but is healing at UT hospital. Thanking God that he was able to get out of the car; suffered broken bones which will heal. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
  • An 84-year old mother who celebrates her birthday this week. Prayers for good health and prayers of thanksgiving for a loving family!

Unite us in purpose and prayer as we join together in that prayer that Christ taught us, praying:  

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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