Weekly Prayer – July 23, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of July 23, 2025

Rev. Catherine Nance

Giver of every good gift and source of all goodness, we need to focus on good. Your goodness, O God, and the goodness you desire in us. Not just ‘being good’ and well- mannered; we confess that we often use good manners to gloss over the contempt or disregard we feel.

We come to you in the middle of the week at the end of the day after being bombarded with memes, headlines, sound bites, links to click, and other distractions. Forgive how easily we are distracted from goodness – the creation you call Good, the reconciling work you call Good. We are drawn to quick fixes, quick laughs, and quick jabs, and turn away from the enduring and steadfast goodness and grace you offer.

So, we pause to look back over the day, the week, and see where your goodness has prevailed. We take time to give you thanks for meaningful conversations we have had with friends. Thank you for the laughter we have shared with a family member. Thank you for the kindness we experienced from a stranger; just a quick offer of help changed our day for good. Thank you for the extra time a health care provider gave. Thank you for the air conditioning. Thank you for the opportunity to order an ice cream cone from our car. Thank you for the out-of-the-blue phone call from a long-ago friend. Some of these are basic human interactions; others are luxuries. May we be thankful for all good things and may that thankfulness open our eyes. We want to see how we can extend gratitude, O God.

Open our eyes and our heart, O God. Amidst angry calls for and against “Epstein files,” may we pray for any child who has been sexually abused by anyone. Amidst laughter at the Coldplay Cam, we pray for any who are struggling with their marriage. Amidst name-calling by world leaders, we pray for anyone who has been ridiculed on the school playground or office break room. Let us not be distracted by calls for our attention that do not build your kingdom. Let us look beyond, above, and through to see your goodness. Empower us to do good. Empower us to seek out what is good.

We are grateful to have this time to pray for one another as we offer concerns from our church family.

We pray for ….

  • Teachers and administrators who are preparing for the new school year.
  • Family members and friends going through difficult times.
  • Young adults who are struggling to find meaningful work.
  • Children whose parents are going through divorce; may they know they are loved by both and the divorce is not their fault.
  • One who has had heart episodes and has been in hospital; now at home recovering.
  • A member who is undergoing procedure July 30 to address pulmonary issues.
  • A great-niece who is acting as sole caregiver for family member next week while others are traveling.
  • A widow whose husband’s memorial service is this week.
  • One healing from surgery.

We continue to pray for …. 

  • A member’s mother who has ovarian cancer; in hospital (age 84); prayers also for the father, age 90, who has vascular dementia.
  • Couples who are wanting to be parents; those waiting on IVF results
  • All who are receiving cancer treatments and dealing with the waiting in between scans and treatments.
  • A niece who continues to heal after tragic accident; thankful for surgeon at UT Hospital.
  • Members of our families who are adjusting to being in assisted living or memory care facilities; the transitions are hard for the caregivers. May all know God’s peace.
  • A friend whose mother has moved to hospice care in a residential facility

We give thanks for ….

  • Opportunities to be with family and friends. Good vacation! Thankful for time away! 
  • Clear margins after cancer surgery!
  • Children and youth who are experiencing the joy of our conference camps … especially Camp Wesley Woods! Prayers for the counselors who have been there all summer long!
  • A meaningful memorial service for a mother; the time to gather with family.

Finally, we pray as Christ taught us to pray,

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 – July 16, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of July 16, 2025

Rev. Catherine Nance

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy
blast and our eternal home.

O God of Wednesday … it is the middle of the week.

We are aware of the past (where did it go?) and aware of the future (I hope I have time
to…)

So, we pause here in the middle of the week, towards the end of the day, to say,” God we are here. In this moment, right now, we acknowledge you are with us, you’ve been with us, and you will remain with us.”

We thank you, God, for the gift of a loving congregation. We thank you for those we know, and those whom we have yet to meet, who join us in prayer. This act of reading a prayer together is a reminder we are not alone. We know you are with us, but there is a “church family” who prays along with us. We are grateful for the gift of the Holy Spirit who connects us to you and to one another.

You are our “shelter from the stormy blast” whatever that blast is for each of us.

  • The news of the day …
  • The heat …
  • Reports from doctors and more medical appointments and wrangling with insurance companies. How much time have we spent on hold only to hear, “Our menu has changed. Please press one for …”
  • Family tensions – when we will accept that we can only change ourselves.
  • Financial worries – Didn’t we plan better than this? What is happening?
  • Feeling helpless when neighbors are suffering
  • Images of immigrants being rounded up amidst protests and violence – we think, “Is this our country?”
  • Overwhelming grief from the loss of a loved one – we thought we would be “over it” by now…
  • Other stormy blasts …

We thank you God, who is our shelter, our refuge, and our source of strength, for hearing our prayers, letting us speak our hearts, and receiving us as we are.

Having spent time in prayer with you and with our church family, we feel a sense of renewal. We know that we can face today. You have been with us in the past and you are leading us into your future.

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come; be thou our guide while life
shall last and our eternal home.

We pray for ….

  • All those who are grieving and who have suffered so much loss in Texas, New Mexico, and other areas affected by flooding.
  • One recovering from shoulder surgery.
  • A member who had oral cancer surgery this week and is home; prayers for continued healing.
  • A friend with advancing leukemia; prayers for remission.
  • Our youth and the experiences they are having this week as they Make A Difference in the City (MAD)!
  • A friend whose mother has moved to hospice care in a residential facility
  • A member’s mother who has ovarian cancer; in hospital (age 84); prayers also for the father, age 90, who has vascular dementia.
  • For a sister who is placing her brother in assisted living; may they both accept this good but hard decision.
  • For a member in rehab in North Carolina after an accident while visiting family there. Prayers for back to heal and body to get stronger.
  • For a husband who had bladder cancer surgery a few months ago and is facing gall bladder surgery this week.
  • Family members and friends going through difficult times.

We continue to pray for …. 

  • Couples who are wanting to be parents; those waiting on IVF results.
  • All who are receiving cancer treatments and dealing with the waiting in between scans and treatments.

We give thanks for ….

  • A healthy grandson (6 months old) after stay in NICU and several surgeries.
  • A good follow up report with oncologist.
  • Children’s Choir Camp that ended this afternoon! Days of music, fun, and learning with friends!

Finally, we pray as Christ taught us to pray,

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 – July 9, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of July 9, 2025

Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst: We’re all on the same spiritual journey, but we’re all at different places. Thank you for meeting us where we are, to journey with us along each and every path.

Every now and then, sections of our journeys’ paths are smooth and easy. For these, we are grateful! While we’re on these kinds of paths, help us find blessings of redemption, renewal, revitalization, rejuvenation and a recommitment to acknowledging your merciful goodness.

Other journeys and paths aren’t as desirable. They’re rutted and eroded by burdens of disease, pain, suffering, grief, loss, despair, loneliness, brokenness, fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Such difficulties are disruptive. So, Lord, we pray you help us stay mindful of the truth that you are and will always be with us. Surround us with your comfort and strength.

Sometimes our journeys lead us astray from paths of virtuous living. We find ourselves bewildered, confused, easily deceived. Forgive us when we neglect your guidance and wisdom, and when we veer away from the ways you want us to live. Point us to turn towards intentional repentance.

Sometimes our journeys’ paths intersect with people and events we would rather avoid. Help us accept the reality that these intersections are part of everyone’s journey; and that even if we can’t change them, we can respond in ways that are Christ-like and that reflect your love for everyone. Give us such grace and creativity.

God of eternity, for all whose journeys on Earth are near their ends, fill each person with your gracious peace. Calm fears, ease pains and give them the blessed assurance of glory-filled living in your heavenly realm.

As we seek your wisdom, guidance and direction, hear and respond to these earnest prayers of others in our congregation. Hold close all represented here with your loving presence and comfort.

We pray for…

  • A daughter and son-in-law who are going through IVF this week.
  • One who is suffering with shingles and a bad cough
  • A ninety-three year old needing prayers 
  • All those affected by floods in Texas; especially those still waiting to hear.
  • A member having shoulder surgery.
  • One who is in rehab; prayers for gaining strength

We continue to pray for…

  • All who are receiving cancer treatments and dealing with the waiting in between scans and treatments.
  • Those who are transitioning to new residences for memory care or nursing care.
  • Families struggling with the ripple effects of mental illness; the ups and downs …
  • A member whose sister died after a long illness
  • A father who is waiting on test results.
  • A daughter starting blood pressure meds.
  • One who is recovering from an accident; able to go back to work

We give thanks for….

  • The birth of a baby!
  • Pastor Sam, Pastor Amber, and Doug!

Finally, we pray as Christ taught us to pray,

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 – July 2, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of July 2, 2025

Rev. Catherine Nance

It seems that we were making new year’s resolutions a few days ago, O God of new beginnings and God of all time. And now we are exclaiming, “It is July! Where did the summer go?”

O God, who called each day of Creation, “good,” we pray to see your goodness around us. We are thankful for children and grandchildren who are enjoying summer.

We are thankful for the time to travel and visit with relatives and friends.

For the cool waters of lakes and swimming pools, we are eternally grateful!

For peaches from South Carolina and cucumbers from our neighbor, we give you thanks!

We begin with gratitude, O God, because there is much we are grateful for! We do not want to lose sight of the things, people, and situations that bring us joy.

But you hear all our prayers, O God, and we are concerned about so many things. As this prayer is being written, US Representatives are deciding if they will vote for or against a bill that can impact so many people. We are worried about those who are already living in poverty and those who do not have health facilities nearby. We pray for veterans who are worried about their future and families who are anxious about grocery bills.

O God, we are living through a time when we feel the need to stay informed but also want to hide. So, we come to you tonight, our Refuge. Thank you for this time of prayer and for this time of choosing to focus on you. A refuge is a safe place – it is not a hiding place. We can rest in you, O God of all people, and then feel renewed to venture out. Not leaving you but carrying your strength and your love with us. Give us a time of respite and reprieve from the world so that later today or tomorrow, we can make faith-filled decisions about how we will be witnesses to your grace.

On Wednesday evening, it is a sacred time to gather as a church community and pray for one another. This, too, is a refuge. A very present help in time of trouble. Knowing there are others who share our concerns and offer prayers on our behalf.

We share the concerns of our brothers and sisters in Christ ……

We pray for…

  • A member whose sister died after a long illness
  • The mother of a member who is in final days; thankful goodbyes have been said
  • A member who has experienced a suicide in the family.
  • A friend whose daughter is having postpartum complications
  • A friend who was in a bicycle crash while traveling  in Ireland, age 74. Prayers for her and family as doctors at hospital in Dublin care for her.
  • A member’s father who is awaiting diagnostic tests and determining if/when biopsy should be done.
  • A father who had knee surgery yesterday.
  • A 96-year old mother who needs our prayers
  • A friend who is having sinus surgery just as she starts a new job.
  • A daughter who is seeing doctor following trip to ER because of cardiac pain; prayers that new meds and routines will help.
  • A young adult who is feeling spiritually attacked.
  • A family in the death of their father
  • A member in rehab working on getting body and mind and spirit stable and strong.
  • Those involved in an auto accident; prayers that bodies will be healed.

We continue to pray for…

  • One who is beginning physical therapy; prayers for strength and healing
  • One who had surgery on wrist and is at home doing well.
  • A husband/father recently diagnosed with cancer; prayers for healing and peace as treatments move forward.
  • A member continues to heal but needs prayers for anxiety to diminish as she waits for results of tests and scans.
  • A member dealing with a new diagnosis.

We give thanks for….

  • Renewed energy at work.
  • The love and support of friends and family while a member is receiving cancer treatment out of town.
  • Those who serve our country.
  • Surviving a horrible wreck on the highway.

Finally, we pray as Christ taught us to pray,

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 – June 25, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of June 25, 2025

Rev. Tim Best, including a prayer from the Cokesbury curriculum from VBS 2025

Gracious God, 

We often look for grand words, and poetic phrases to shape our prayers, yet we don’t need big words to share our love and ask for your help. Let us make the words of a Vacation Bible School prayer from this week a prayer for all of us. 

When I climb the highest mountain,
When I walk through deepest valley,
I will trust in God.
God will lead the way.

When I roam the darkest forest,
When I cross the widest ocean,
I will trust in God.
God will lead the way.

When I’m feeling lost and lonely,
When I need a hand to guide me,
I will trust in God.
God will lead the way.

Trusting in God we name celebrations and needs in our own lives, within our community, and the needs of all the world: 

Believing that God leads the way, we join our prayer with the prayer Jesus 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.

We pray for…

  • One who is beginning physical therapy; prayers for strength and healing
  • A loved one who is in a rehab facility
  • One who is praying for deliverance
  • A husband/father recently diagnosed with cancer; prayers for healing and peace as treatments move forward.
  • A member continues to heal but needs prayers for anxiety to diminish as she waits for results of tests and scans.
  • A couple who celebrated their marriage this weekend; prayers for a good and happy life together!
  • One who is having a diagnostic procedure done; prayers for the waiting in between the test and getting results.
  • A member dealing with a new diagnosis.
  • A daughter who is seeing a cardiologist today; prayers for discernment.
  • A youth who had hip dysplasia surgery yesterday; the first of two surgeries. Prayers for healing.

We continue to pray for…

  • A member who is in the hospital; prayers for her daughters as they help with decisions and a plan for good health.
  • Grandparents who are wearing lots of hats and caring for many people.
  • Those who are missing their spouses after death; thankful for good memories, but the reality of being alone is tiring.
  • A member receiving cancer treatment at Vanderbilt.
  • One of our college students who is studying in Taiwan this summer.
  • Those who are grieving; whether the death was recent or years ago!
  • A niece who is facing a long journey of rehab and healing.
  • One who is grieving the death of brother.

We give thanks for….

  • All of the volunteers at Vacation Bible School! 
  • So many first-time attendees at VBS who are having a blast!

Have a Prayer Request?

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Weekly Prayer – June 18, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of June 18, 2025

Rev. Catherine Nance

We come to the end of the day, almost, the end of Wednesday, and pause to pray. Many
of us turned to headlines first thing this morning and were fearful of ‘escalation’ and
‘threats.’ But by the time this prayer shows up in the in boxes, what will have happened?
Will prayers for peace sound ludicrous? Will they sound like empty words?
Many of us began the day with the weather report and decide if it will be a good day or
bad day based on amounts of precipitation. Children want breezes and sunshine;
gardeners need just the amount of rain for tomatoes and beans. At the end of the day,
will we declare it good or bad?

We have alerts and notifications reminding us before we get out of bed that we have
appointments to keep and chores to do. Was the medical appointment helpful or
frustrating? Did we learn what we needed to know? Did we get done all we wanted to
do today?

Gracious God of All Time, we thank you for the gift of prayer that transcends time.
Forgive us when we start our day allowing agendas and headlines to set our purpose
for the day. Forgive us when we ask, what will happen today, before we give thanks that
you are with us today.

Thank you, Loving God, for our friends in the faith who are also reading this prayer,
maybe they will read it later in the evening or see it first thing tomorrow morning. We
have all prayed throughout the day for President Trump, that he might take time to listen
to those who can give sound advice. We have prayed for leaders in Iran and Israel that
they will stop bombing and come to a table to negotiate. We have prayed all day for
children who are in harm’s way … whether in Gaza, or local youth held in a detention
center in flux, or children not sure where parents are after being detained. We have
prayed for our own children – that they would be safe and content. And know joy!

We come together on Wednesday evening to pray for one another and to remember
words from Sunday that our hope is in you. Not headlines or celebrities or weather or
outcomes. Our hope is grounded in you. Knowing what we know now about how the
day has turned out, hear our prayers for tomorrow. We will continue to pray for peace in
your world, God of the universe. We will continue to pray for healing in our community,
God of all people. We continue to pray for those we know and love and hold close in our
hearts.

Honestly God, we confess that sometimes praying for a church member who is going
through a difficult time feels selfish or like we do not care about the rest of the world.
You know … we know … that is not true. We thank you for the names we know; the
people you have put in our paths to help us feel love and support. We thank you for the
names we know; the people who have taught us about unconditional love and grace.

Thank you for the people who have shown us what it means to be present in body and
in spirit.

And so we join together in praying for those ‘we know and love,’ people who have
embodied for us your love, which enables us to pray for your world. We pray….

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.

We pray for…

  • A member who is dealing with a few setbacks after eye surgery; prayers for resolution.
  • A member who is in rehab after hip surgery; prayers for strength.
  • One who is pain with broken ribs and clavicle after an accident; prayers for patience and healing
  • A member who is grieving the unexpected death of a dear friend; prayers for the deceased’s wife and three-year old son. Prayers for all who are in shock and so sad.
  • A relative who is having eye surgery.
  • Family members and friends we keep in our heart; may they know God’s peace.
  • All who were affected by the tragedy at Shannondale Assisted Living; the woman driving the car and the family of the man who was killed. Prayers for all who work there and the whole Shannondale community.
  • A member who is in the hospital; prayers for her daughters as they help with decisions and a plan for good health.
  • A member who had double mastectomy last week; thankful for good outcome. Prayers for continued healing.
  • One who is in respite care while wife is recovering from surgery; may he feel safe and secure.
  • A member whose sister died after being in hospice care; prayers for the family as they make arrangements and move forward.
  • A granddaughter who will be having hip surgery (first of two) at Vanderbilt, June 24. 

We give thanks for….

  • A father who is feeling so much better after heart valve procedure. Prayers for continued good health as he prepares for other treatments.
  • A wife who was released from doctor’s care until a six-month checkup. Thankful for peace of mind and healing of body.

We continue to pray for…

  • Grandparents who are wearing lots of hats and caring for many people.
  • Those who are missing their spouses after death; thankful for good memories, but the reality of being alone is tiring.
  • A member receiving cancer treatment at Vanderbilt.
  • One of our college students who is studying in Taiwan this summer.
  • Those who are grieving; whether the death was recent or years ago!
  • A niece who is facing a long journey of rehab and healing.
  • One who is grieving the death of brother.
  • Those who are living with the reality of mental illness of family members. Prayers for peace and strength in all of the ups and downs with medications and circumstances.
  • Those navigating all the decisions when dealing with chronic illness of parents; especially Alzheimer’s.

Have a Prayer Request?

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Weekly Prayer – June 11, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of June 11, 2025

Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst:  The vibrance of the light of this month’s full moon displays a bright contrast to an otherwise dark sky. Yet we know it’s actually a mere reflection of the sun’s light, the same light that illuminates our days. Lord of the universe and all creation, we pray that you shine your light on us, your people. So that we might become vibrant reflections of your light in shadowy places of our world darkened by uncertainty, doubt, fear, skepticism, cynicism, and selfishness. Enable each of us to be a beacon of your love-generated light every day and night.

Thank you for the inspiration of this past Pentecost Sunday. That first Pentecost transformed the world. Generations of faithful believers followed. And now?  Now it’s our turn to be the Spirit-filled/Jesus-led/God-sustained people who continue the transformation of the world into your kingdom.

Motivate our minds and hearts to practical acts of such transformation, like taking active roles in Church Street’s on-going mission projects; supporting one another in small groups, Sunday School classes and personal interactions; offering our skills, knowledge and resources to the church’s work; praying; attending; giving; serving; witnessing.

Wrap the comfort and peace of your Holy Spirit around all who grieve, hurt, suffer, fear, struggle, feel hopeless, feel helpless, feel rejected, feel lonely, and seek renewed wholeness. Re-energize us when we’re weary, weak, apathetic, struggling, drained, and shattered. Awaken us to mornings of joy whenever we tarry through seemingly endless night-times.

Again we pray for leaders of our communities and nation who we entrust to enable access to justice, opportunity, security and fulfillment for all people of this land. Those responsibilities have never been easy. Yet history has always shown us that your truths of love, compassion, mutual respect, care of neighbor, kindness, forgiveness and unselfish generosity always – – always – – triumph over evil and inequality. Instill such truths in our leaders.

We pray also for our clergy at Church Street. We’re grateful that Pastors Catherine and Tim will continue to be with our congregation. And we’re grateful for the additions of Rev. Amber Lloyd and Rev. Sam Dzobo to the clergy team beginning soon. Sustain and strengthen their ministries with your wisdom and spiritual calling.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus preached messages of hope to all who would listen and follow his teachings. In our present time, those messages and the work of your church are as important now as they ever were.  Help us, gracious Lord, to connect our individual gifts, talents, and skills with fulfilling those hopes longed by Jesus. They are the hopes you have for the world.

God of Grace, hear and respond to these earnest prayers of others in our congregation. Hold close all represented here with your loving presence and comfort.

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.

We pray for…

  • Wisdom and understanding from God to fill our days.
  • A member whose husband died this week.
  • A member’s sister who is going through a difficult divorce; prayers also for her four-year old son. 
  • A member having surgery tomorrow for breast cancer.
  • Grandparents who are wearing lots of hats and caring for many people.
  • Those who are missing their spouses after death; thankful for good memories, but the reality of being alone is tiring.
  • A mother/grandmother who is in hospital; prayers for her family who are working together to make her quality of life positive.
  • A friend whose joint replacement surgery has become critically infected. Facing two surgeries and a long recovery.
  • A niece who is having surgeries on leg after tragic accident.
  • A member recovering from an accident; prayers for pain to be eased.
  • A member receiving cancer treatment at Vanderbilt.
  • One of our college students studying in Taiwan this summer.

We continue to pray for…

  • A member in the unexpected death of her mother; prayers for the family, especially young granddaughter.
  • Those affected by the tragedy in Gatlinburg; especially those who are from out of town and who are now in hospitals. Prayers for all involved. Lord, have mercy!
  • For a friend whose wife is going through stage 4 cancer and is receiving treatments.
  • For a friend whose family is dealing with the aftermath of a suicide attempt; Lord, have mercy.
  • One who is grieving the death of brother.
  • Those who are living with the reality of mental illness of family members. Prayers for peace and strength in all of the ups and downs with medications and circumstances.
  • Those navigating all the decisions when dealing with chronic illness of parents; especially Alzheimer’s.

We give thanks for….

  • Our Parish Youth Choir and all of the adults who led them on tour!
  • Praise God for a glorious Pentecost Sunday!
  • A healthy baby boy!
  • The birth of a grandson.
  • The birth of a beautiful baby girl!

Have a Prayer Request?

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Weekly Prayer – June 4, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of June 4, 2025

Rev. Andy Ferguson

*This prayer was offered last Sunday, June 1, at the 8:30 service by Rev. Andy Ferguson. The theme was taken from the scripture that describes Paul and Silas singing at midnight while in jail.

Lord God Almighty, Savior, Sovereign, Keeper

We stood just now as your people to…

“Sing the Almighty Power of God that made the mountains rise.”

We felt a swell of pride as we sang together:

“The moon shines full at God’s command and all the stars obey.”

But, Lord, when we go outside again after the final words are spoken,

When we wake on Monday,

Whenever we attend to the business of living in the rest of the world,

In all the places that are NOT church,

Where is your command and your powerful voice then?

 

The politicians and pundits fill the air with their proclamations,

Drowning out your still, small voice.

The weather intensifies, threatening more destruction than we can repair,

Before the next storm season comes around.

Wars rage across our world even as our world grows smaller by the day,

And the best efforts of those who work for peace are pushed aside

– or laughed aside.

Good and bad, right and wrong bounce around us like ping pong balls,

Merely toys in the hands of others.

 

In this day of a thousand voices and a thousand more destructive events,

Drowning out the sweet words of our Sunday hymn,

Where is your voice, O God?

In this day? In this time in history?

We listen, but it is hard to discern through the clamor.

 

With the Prophet Isaiah, we pray with lifted hands:

O that thou wouldst tear open the heavens and come down,

So that the Mountains would quake at your presence –

To make your name known to your adversaries.

So that the nations might tremble at your presence!*

 

Rise up, O God! Speak out again…

So that an hour in your presence on this Sunday morning,

Will be the anchor that holds the world steady,

Speak out again…

Proclaim the Word that calls all peoples to raise their heads in expectation and hope.

Speak out…

That your promise of peace to all the people will be fulfilled in our seeing.

 

We pray in the name of Jesus,

Who spoke and the storm and the sea became calm,

Who spoke and the demons were driven out of the wounded,

Who spoke and the lepers danced like excited teenagers.

Because of Jesus, we pray today. Amen

*Isaiah 64.1ff

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.

We pray for…

  • A member in the unexpected death of her mother; just two weeks after another family death; prayers for the family; especially young granddaughter.
  • Those affected by the tragedy in Gatlinburg; especially those who are from out of town and who are now in hospitals. Prayers for all involved. Lord, have mercy!
  • Those who are in the hospital awaiting procedures, test results, and answers; prayers for healing of body, mind, and spirit!
  • A wife (and primary caregiver) who is recovering from shoulder surgery.
  • One who feels so much anger towards God.
  • For a couple going through divorce; torn apart by anger.
  • For two daughters as they make decisions about care for their mom; prayers for son-in-law as well who helps with this.
  • For a friend whose wife is going through stage 4 cancer and is receiving treatments.
  • For a friend whose family is dealing with the aftermath of a suicide attempt; Lord, have mercy.
  • One who is grieving the death of a brother.

We continue to pray for…

  • Members in the death of their sister and aunt.
  • One who has been recently diagnosed with cancer.
  • Those who are concerned about friends having surgery; prayers for healing.
  • A member whose best friend has been diagnosed with cancer; prayers as treatments begin.
  • Those who are living with the reality of mental illness of family members. Prayers for peace and strength in all of the ups and downs with medications and circumstances.
  • Those who have experienced the death of family and friends from the tornadoes and storms in Kentucky, Missouri, and other places. Prayers for peace amidst so much devastation and grief.
  • Those who are struggling with the healthcare system; especially the problems with rehab.
  • Our Parish Youth Choir as they return to lead worship this Sunday at CSUMC.
  • A member who is facing breast surgery soon for cancer; double mastectomy.

We give thanks for….

  • Members and friends who are in hospitals; prayers for doctors, nurses, therapists, and case managers who work together for good plans moving forward.
  • Those navigating all the decisions when dealing with chronic illness of parents; especially Alzheimer’s.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

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Weekly Prayer – May 28, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of May 28, 2025

Rev. Tim Best*

*This prayer was offered by Rev. Best on Sunday, May 25 in the Nave. 

God of mercy and might,
On this Memorial Day weekend, we give you thanks and we pray for peace. As families and friends gather for time together and a long weekend, we remember and pray for those who grieve, those who remember, and for those who have died in service to their community and country.
We are thankful for the ways your love has been shown in and through the dedication of those who serve. We are especially mindful of those who have died in military service to our nation. We pray for those whose lives were lost in their youth and that you grant them your eternal rest and care. We trust and believe that you remember all those who have died; help us to remember always those who died because our country asked them to serve and defend.
We pray for those who remain. May you continue to care for those who grieve, no matter how much time has passed. Tenderly hold within your love the hearts of those who have lost children, spouses, parents, and friends in service to our government. As Christians, make us ever mindful of our duty to care for those who suffer, for orphans, widows, and for those in any kind of need.
Make us faithful and vigilant instruments of peace. May we see as so precious the lives of all your people that we would strive in all things for peace. We are indeed thankful for the willingness of those who serve. Give our leaders wisdom that their service will be honored and their lives valued as they work for peace. Help us to hold the desire for peace deeply within our hearts. Direct our leaders and the leaders of the world in that your peace may cover the earth.
Hear also the concerns of our congregation and see the needs of your people. Grant strength to the weak, relief to the suffering, and healing to the sick. Help those who feel isolated and alone experience the love and concern of community and fellowship. Pour out your grace upon this church family that we might care for one another and show forth your love to all the world. Set your peace upon us that we might be a beacon of your love and hope to all.
This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, 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.

We pray for…

  • A member in the death of his mother.
  • Members in the death of their sister and aunt.
  • One who has been recently diagnosed with cancer.
  • A member whose best friend has been diagnosed with cancer; prayers as treatments begin.
  • Those who are living with the reality of mental illness of family members. Prayers for peace and strength in all of the ups and downs with medications and circumstances.
  • Two friends who are having surgery: one friend in Ohio having  brain surgery; one friend having breast cancer surgery in Knoxville. 
  • For a friend who is leaving the country at the same time her father is experiencing major health concerns; prayers for clarity and peace.
  • Those who have experienced the death of family and friends from the tornadoes and storms in Kentucky and Missouri and other places. Prayers for peace amidst so much devastation and grief.
  • Those who are struggling with the healthcare system; especially the problems with rehab.  
  • Our Parish Youth Choir as they leave for tour this Saturday.
  • A member who is facing breast surgery soon for cancer; double mastectomy.
  • A member who is healing from a fall while also being full-time caregiver for husband.

We continue to pray for…

  • A family in the death of their mother, grandmother who died in her sleep. May they be comforted by God’s presence and her example of faithfulness.
  • Those who are grieving the death of their mother and friend after a long illness; thankful she rests in God’s eternal light.
  • Those who are continuing in rehab; may they feel God’s strength working in them.
  • Members and friends who are in hospitals; prayers for doctors, nurses, therapists, and case managers who work together for good plans moving forward.
  • Those navigating all the decisions when dealing with chronic illness of parents; especially Alzheimer’s.

We give thanks for….

  • Successful surgery to repair heart valve.
  • Procedures that make ‘heart repair’ so much easier these days! Still a big deal, but not the long hospitalization that used to be involved!
  • A good doctor’s visit; thankful next appointment is in one year to draw blood for labs. Thankful for God’s healing mercies!

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

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Weekly Prayer – May 21, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of May 21, 2025

Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst, thank you for your abundant blessings; and for moments like now to focus our minds on you and on the needs of others. 

Sometimes we come to you humbly. Other times we come in earnest demand. In either case, we long for your help, direction and even your divine intervention to address troubles we face. Regardless of our prayerful tone, you remain steadfast in welcoming us in communion with you. Lord of grace and compassion, we are grateful that you hear our prayers in whatever ways we present them. 

God, sometimes we hurt. We hurt from illness, from injuries, from mental pain and anguish, from broken hearts. You’ve endured hurts like these, too, as the Triune God through Jesus. Gracious creator of comfort and peace, embrace us with your loving arms of spiritual relief. And point us to pathways and sources of people, technologies and services that can help alleviate hurt.      

God, sometimes we are joyful. We’re joyful because of situations that bring us happiness, that uplift us, that ignite our spirits and emotions, that spark spontaneous laughter. As our God of blessings, you know joy, too. From the earliest moments of your creation, you’ve invited us to be in joyful relationship with you and with one another. Thank you for the joys that help shape our lives. 

God, sometimes we feel sad. We’re sad because of grief, because of loss, because of loneliness, because of fractured relationships, because of feeling rejected or left out, because of not being heard or noticed. God, again through Jesus, you’ve experienced many forms of sadness. Help us continually remember that “though we walk through the darkest valleys…you are with us…(and) goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives.” Restore our souls, Lord, our Shepherd during our moments of sorrow. 

God, sometimes we feel optimistic. We’re optimistic when making smart choices, when experiencing good outcomes, when achieving personal goals. You, too, surely have known optimism, even from the very beginning when you declared all of creation as “good.” As our God who granted us freewill to pursue our own choices, help us seek and attain goals and actions that delight you and enhance your kingdom on Earth, especially acts of justice, empathy, caring, generosity and forgiveness.   

God, sometimes (actually, much of the time) we experience mixtures of ever-changing feelings like these and others. Frequently, we find ourselves needing to respond to many different pressures and forces – – some welcomed, some not wanted – – all at the same time. We look for lifelines of help. Which is why we’re grateful for the companionship of family, trusted friends and people in your church community. Thank you for Christian love and connections. 

God of Grace, we pray for relief for neighbors throughout our region whose lives have been undeservedly turned upside down by damaging storms. And hear these prayers of others in our congregation. Hold close all represented here with your loving presence and comfort. 

We pray for…

  • A cousin in Alabama, age 17, awaiting heart transplant. Prayers for his mother.
  • A 94-year old neighbor, who is nearing death; a faithful Christian but is apprehensive about the days to come.
  • A mom who is dealing with migraines and also struggling with insurance company; prayers that prescriptions will be approved so she can be with her family the way she wants to be.
  • A member who is hoping for the right medication for blood cancer that her body can tolerate. Also prayers for a doctor who will work with Medicare!
  • A family in the death of their mother, grandmother who died in her sleep. May they be comforted by God’s presence and her example of faithfulness.
  • Those who are grieving the death of their mother and friend after a long illness; thankful she rests in God’s eternal light.
  • Those who are continuing in rehab; may they feel God’s strength working in them.
  • A father who is recovering from heart surgery.
  • Children and youth for whom summer vacation is not a break but a time of uncertainty.

We continue to pray for…

  • Members and friends who are in hospitals; prayers for doctors, nurses, therapists, and case managers who work together for good plans moving forward.
  • A member who has moved into a new skilled nursing care facility after being in the same place for so many years. May it be a good transition.
  • A wife who is looking for a job that is fulfilling and where she can use her gifts.
  • A church family in the death of a young-adult nephew from an accident; prayers for grandparents and all extended family.
  • Those navigating all the decisions when dealing with chronic illness of parents; especially Alzheimer’s.

We give thanks for….

  • Successful surgery to repair heart valve
  • Children who are looking forward to summer!

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.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

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