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.
