Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of April 17, 2024

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance

O God, we pause at the end of the day with others in our church family to offer prayer. As we read these words, we imagine members of our church and what they mean to us. Some are very dear friends and some we barely know. Perhaps there are those who have been long-time members and others who have recently started attending. But there is a comfort in knowing that others who worship where we do and sang the same hymns on Sunday are pausing now to say, “thank you for your gifts.”

We thank you for this gift of prayer and how it connects us to your heart and to others. We thank you for how prayer gives us a peace when we are troubled. Prayer renews our spirits when we are cast down. Prayer offers us strength when we are feeling weary. Thank you, O God, for the mystery of this act. Pausing to acknowledge, reflect, give thanks, intercede for others, and share our own burdens – this act of prayer gets us through the week.

We imagine others who are reading this, and we give thanks for them. We do not know the names and faces behind each prayer request, but we feel a closeness to them because they trust us with their vulnerability.

O God who hears our prayers, we wonder what your world would be like if the whole world stopped for a moment and felt a grateful connection to you and to neighbor. What power there would be in prayer!

Fill us with that assurance, O loving God, that this very act, praying together, for one another, has made a difference in our living today. It has made a difference in others’ lives. And will make a difference in how we face tomorrow.

Before we read through prayer concerns, we pause for just one more moment, and think of people around your world. We know there are those who have no ‘church family.’ There are those who are praying alone. Graft our prayers into theirs, O God. Let them know they are not alone.

We offer the prayer that Jesus taught us saying ….

We pray for ….

• An expectant mother who has a very active little one inside! Prayers for good rest until due date!
• All spouses who are dealing with the stress  of caring for their spouse who has dementia or other brain diseases. Prayers for comfort in the continuing grief.
• Faithfulness; that God will keep us healthy and abundant in love! Keep us alive and well in Jesus name!
• The family of a woman who died from ALS; she leaves a husband and two young adult children. Praying for a church member who is a dear friend to her.
• A member’s aunt who is home on hospice care and near death after her cancer returned 
• A family who is traveling this week
• One experiencing difficult situation with family members with whom there has been no contact for years; prayers for a respectful resolution while maintaining healthy boundaries
• A member’s 91-year old father whose quality of life is declining

We continue to pray for …

• Peace in our world.
• One looking for full-time employment; the stress of job searching is causing sleeplessness. 
• Those dealing with mental illness; may they find God’s peace.
• Those going through cancer treatments

We give thanks for …

• A positive follow up appointment with surgeon
• Finding a good solution for long term care
• Our sixth graders at CSUMC who will be confirmed on Sunday

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.

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of March 27, 2024

Written by Rev. Tim Best

Holy God,

During this Holy Week we seek your strength and your compassion. In each of the stories that we encounter about this week of your ministry which culminates in your passion and death, we see that when our love, our understanding, our patience, and our courage fails, you remain steadfast. As we read and remember the stories of your journey to the cross, open our hearts that we might be renewed in our discipleship. As our lenten journey comes to an end, prepare us to proclaim the hope and mystery of our faith after Easter.

As you taught in the temple, and prophetically challenged the powers of your day, challenge in us our love for the way things are. Where we have used talk of you to benefit ourselves and those close to us, lead us to repent. Help us to remain steadfastly committed to you, that we would abandon the appearance of devotion for the sincere commitment to you and the path you set before us. Make us mindful of those in our midst who suffer and are vulnerable. We pray for those whom we have ignored, those whose suffering has benefitted us, and those who have yearned to know your love, but have not found in us compassionate friends. Guide us that we may see the suffering of others and respond with the mercy and grace you have shown to us.

As you greeted those who arrived to arrest you with peace, help us to face our enemies with confidence in your kingdom and a resolve to greet force and violence with patience and trust in the final triumph of your kingdom. We pray for those who suffer from violence. We pray for all peoples afflicted by war. We pray for the ongoing war in Ukraine. We pray for Israel, for Gaza, for all those who are suffering. As your disciples we know that your desire is for all creation to be gathered into a peaceful and even joyful existence under the Lordship of Christ. Help us to treat our enemies as Christ treated those who saw him as an enemy. Soften hard hearts and direct the powerful so that your peace may reign.

Through your own suffering on the cross you teach us that we might cry out to you in our own trials. Deepen our faith that we might be so bold to name our suffering before you and before the world. We praise you that we are not required to hide our pain and suffering. We pray for those who are suffering. Our hearts are broken as we continue to learn details of the tragic bridge collapse in Maryland. In such moments we feel limited by words and our inability to undo such suffering. Hear us when we pray and hold those who suffer in your care.

As we come to the end of another day in this Holy Week, grant us peace and rest this night. Take from us the burdens of the day, and help us to recognize the simple mercies we have experienced throughout this day. Where we have failed to fully obey you today, help us tomorrow. In humble trust we offer all the cares of our hearts to you, including these joys and concerns of our church family….

We pray for ….

• The city of Baltimore and all those affected by the bridge collapse. Praying especially for the families of the six workers. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer!
• A sister who is going through divorce mediation; may all be calm and respectful.
• A member’s nine grandchildren; may they know th ey are all loved by God and family.
• One who is having trouble sleeping while looking for work; pray that someone would call for an interview!
• Praying for family and friends who are going through difficult times; God knows the need.
• Family and friends who are grieving the death of a special lady who taught us all about perseverance, hope, and trust in God.
• A mother who has been hospitalized at Vanderbilt; thankful doctors are able to bring her relief
• A colleague who is having health concerns; may she make good decisions
• One who is waiting to hear results from MRI
• Those who are prisoners of human trafficking
• Family in Indonesia
• A husband who has broken nose and and cannot sleep well
• A family having to make decision about putting their mother in nursing home. Prayers for this 88-year old.
• A cousin’s wife who has advanced kidney cancer; she begins treatments soon. Please pray for healing and peace.
• The husband of a close friend whose throat cancer has returned. Prayers for him and for his wife who is caregiver.

We give thanks for ….

• A daughter who has found a wonderful full-time job after years of being stay-at-home mom!
• The beautiful musical offering on Sunday night, St. John’s Passion
• For all the people who read these prayer requests and offer their time to pray.

We continue to pray for ….

• A grandson who is healing from surgery on tibia and fibula
• Those who have had surgery
• One who is recuperating from leg surgery; praying that pain will be gone.

We offer our prayers in the name of Jesus, our Lord, 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.

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of March 13, 2024

Written by Steve Richardson

God of all creation, God in heaven and in our midst, God of grace and love, we humbly ask you to hear our prayers. 

Thank you for the majesty of the spinning Earth and the changing seasons. Thank you for the emerging signs of springtime that hearten our senses ever more frequently. Thank you for the beauty of nature dispersed all around us in this region where we live. Although we know there are other areas around the globe just as delightful as ours, we still feel blessed to call this space our home. To you, God, all praise and glory.     

Thank you for your grace and mercy, even when we don’t deserve either. Thank you for sending Jesus the Christ who continues to point us to paths of righteous living, paths of justice, paths of love, paths of hope and confidence, paths of transformation, and paths of eternal life. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to journey with us on those paths every day. Thank you for your constant presence, even when we may not always realize it. To you, God, all praise and glory. 

Thank you for daily moments of joy, as well as memories of joy. These are gifts that help sustain us amid the difficulties we face. Thank you for your holy scripture that reminds us many, many times to “fear not” as you surround us with hope and love. Thank you for church and connections that provide ties that bind us in mutual support. To you, God, all praise and glory. 

Thank you for minds that can imagine, dream and hope; minds that can reason and solve problems; and minds that can share empathy and compassion with others who grieve and feel despair. Thank you for never abandoning us. Thank you for your Word and your Light. Thank you for the wisdom of Biblical writers, teachers, commentators and scholars. To you, God, all praise and glory. 

Yet even with these many blessings and countless others (plus blessings that undergird us but escape our awareness!), we still seek your help and direction. There are circumstances and challenges beyond the abilities of humankind. So we humbly pray to you, Lord, for your sacred omnipotence to bring your creation to its ultimate wholeness. And to you, God, with all praise and glory, we pray that you hear these needs and prayers of others in our church community; and that you surround each person with your loving embrace and comfort… 

We pray for ….

• Family members grieving the loss of a beloved mother
• A mother in the hospital
• A newborn who had procedure done recently; prayers for healthy days ahead!
• A mother grieving the death of her son by suicide; Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer!
• A man in our community whose brother has been missing
• One who is looking for safe housing and meaningful work
• A recent widow and her day-to-day coping

We give thanks for ….

• Acceptance letters from colleges and post-high school programs
• Faithful volunteers who come to soup kitchen week after week
• A good job interview; praying I will find the right job. 
• A good time away with family over spring break; praying that the rest of the school year will be positive for my children
• Our country and its freedoms

We continue to pray for ……

• A grandmother who has been diagnosed with multiple cancers; prayers for discernment in next steps for treatment
• A member who has moved to skilled nursing care and rehab after a stroke
• A dear friend who was so active and now unable to walk
• A woman seeking employment that will bring her joy and will help her family
• The health of a newborn; may parents make good decisions
• One is traveling overseas for school
• For children who are adjusting to life after the sudden death of their mother
• Victims of Israeli-Hamas war
• Loved ones who are transitioning from ‘home alone’ to ‘assisted living’ 
• Caregivers who feel they are alone.
• Those whose grief is deep 

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.

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of February 28, 2024

Written by Rev. Tim Best

Gracious Lord,  

For the mercies of today; for rest, for work, for food, and for fellowship with others we give you thanks and praise. As we come to the end of another day help us to find rest and renewal in you. Lift from our spirits the burdens of the day. Where we have caused harm or pain today, strengthen us that tomorrow we might seek forgiveness and restored relationships.  

We are thankful for the food we have had today. All that sustains and nurtures is a gift to us from your loving hand. We acknowledge that some of us have had too much, and some of us did not have enough. Create in us generous hearts that whether we have much or little, we would see all we have as a gift. We are thankful that our church family was able to host neighboring churches and community members. Bless those who worshipped and fellowshipped with us today. May the world see and find in us, Church Street UMC, a place and a people where there bodies and their hearts can be fed by your gospel love.   

We are thankful for this community of faith; May your Spirit continue to be at work in and through this congregation to shape us by the the love of your cross. As we continue to journey through Lent, bless and guide those who are participating in a special study, class, or prayer group. Renew their love, dedication, and joy through their faithful study and service. We ask for your guidance in all our missions and outreach ministries. May our neighbors come to know your love through the the ministries of this community.   

We pray for all who are in any sort of need. We pray for those who have had surgeries, those who have been sick, and those who seek answers from doctors. Give strength to their bodies and courage to their hearts. Fill all of us with compassion and mercy for those who suffer. When we see those suffering from loneliness, move us by your Spirit to stand in solidarity and relationship. We pray for those separated from those they love by service, imprisonment, or due to employment.  

We pray for the coming of your kingdom of peace. In the midst of a world that knows violence and peace so well, make your church to be a sign of peace and justice for all the world to see. Where division and hatred divides your people, heal us and draw us together in devoted service to you. We pray for those who feel they have no hope; may your church be a beacon of hope in the midst of the sufferings of the world and may we proclaim that in the midst of their sufferings your love stands with them.  

In a spirit of hope and trust we offer these prayer concerns of our congregation up to you, gracious God.  

We pray for ….

• A grandmother who is in hospital waiting on tests results; had a biopsy on a mass.
• A friend who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer
• One who is looking for a safe place to live; also needs a job
• One who is struggling with work issues; seeking forgiveness
• A member who is in rehab after a stroke
• Those who have been hospitalized; may they feel your strength as they continue to recover.
• A family in the loss of grandmother
• A member who is asking for God’s guidance in decisions about treatment options; waiting on second opinion. Prayers for peace of mind and healing as she learns more about situation.
• One waiting on tests results.
• Family members who do not yet know Christ as Savior. 
• A granddaughter’s anxiety and OCD.
• Grandchildren who are having a difficult time in current family situation.

We give thanks for ….

• New friends at youth group!
• The birth of a baby boy!
• A new college Sunday School class.
• The sermon and lectures from our Bishop Lecture Series guest, Edgardo Colón-Emeric

We continue to pray for ……

• A friend who has started drinking again
• Members of extended family who are not believers inChrist
• A friend who is missing her son
• One going through a divorce.
• A family dealing with many health issues and employment issues as they relocate
• A faithful companion – a beautiful and dear pet who is having health issues; praying for strength for all God’s creatures!
• Dear friends; a husband who is in ICU with infection and other concerns, and for his wife
• One who continues to grieve for her husband while dealing with some family tensions
• Victims of Israeli-Hamas war
• Loved ones who are transitioning from ‘home alone’ to ‘assisted living’ 
• Caregivers who feel they are alone.
• Those whose grief is deep 

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.

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of February 7, 2024

Written by Rev. Tim Best

Gracious Lord, 

In the midst of sunshine and warmth we praise you for a break in the cold of winter. After so much snow and ice it feels like a break. Perhaps some of us have been able to wander outside in the warmth and feel our hearts and spirits renewed by the heat of the sunlight. Yet, we are mindful that there are still burdens that chill our hearts and weigh us down. Give light to those who dwell in the darkness and warmth to those who have found the coldness of the world especially biting. 

We pray for our neighbors that are alone. Make this church a community that loves and serves our neighbors and creates a genuine and welcoming family. Where the forces of division and loneliness seek to erode dignity and belonging, empower us to respond with compassion and embrace one another just as you have embraced us. May those who do not know your love and the friendship of others find in us friendship and care. 

As we prepare for children’s Sunday in worship, we do offer thanks for the children in our community. We are thankful for their humor, their wonder, their insights, and the ways the force us to think about what we say and do. We give thanks for those who taught us as children, and we as that you would guide us to care for the children in our community, and help them know your love for themselves. Where there are children in need help us to respond, and where we have gifts that can enrich the lives and faith of our children help us to use them. 

Just as you refresh the earth through the various seasons, refresh our hearts and souls. Receive the burdens that we carry in our hearts as persons and as a community. To hose who grieve, grant your comfort, help those who are sick, and be with those who are in any kind of trouble. We share with you and with one another these concern of our community….

We pray for ….

• A daughter and son-in-law; prayers for peace during the last weeks of pregnancy. One of the twins will not live past delivery for very long. Heartbreaking – but joyful that the other is healthy. Prayers for both babies who are already so loved. Prayers for parents and grandparents as they travel this fragile road of love. Thankful for the eternal presence of God’s Love.
• All who are wanting to have children and have not been able to; for all who are wanting to adopt and experiencing financial barriers; for all who are struggling with complex decisions..
• A family who is asking God’s guidance in making the best decision about a loved one’s healthcare
• A husband who continues to deal with cancer and the ups and downs of that journey
• A husband and children who are grieving the death of their wife/mother. Prayers for extended family who are far away.
• Our youth and young adults who are under so much pressure
• Our Confirmation Class after their retreat this past weekend; may there be strengthened commitment
• A mother who is home after rehab; prayers for strength as Physical Therapy continues.
• A husband grieving the death of his beloved wife
• A family who has asked for prayer as they prepare to move to India
• Children who have been in hospital; thankful for antibiotics and for caring doctors and nurses at ETCH!

We give thanks for ….

• The availability of health care options
• Doctors and nurses who truly see their jobs as a calling
• The love and support of church family
• Good report from doctor
• Extended family who is there when we need help
  

We continue to pray for ……

• Caregivers who feel they are alone.
• Grandparents who are dealing with health concerns
• A husband who is home recuperating after hospitalization; prayers for physical strength
• A member who has brain tumor; may she feel God’s comfort and healing presence

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.