Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of February 22, 2023
Rev. Catherine Nance
As we bow in prayer together tonight, O God, we cannot help but call you Scooper of Dust. That doesn’t quite sound so holy, but yet, that is how you are described in one of our Sacred Stories. You are the Creator, the Scooper of Dust! You scooped up dust in your hands and then breathed into it and here we are. Your people. Your creation. From dust we came, to dust we shall return.
On this Ash Wednesday, some of us are more aware than others of the dust to which we will return. Some have tired bodies, sick bodies, broken bodies, and death does not elicit fear but peace of mind. Others believe they will live forever or, at least, death is a long way off. No need to be concerned about that! It seems odd to be reminded of death in the middle of week, but here we are on Ash Wednesday. Perhaps we heard from a minister today, “from dust you came, to dust you shall return.” A black smudge on our forehead to show the world we are aware of mortality. But also, aware of forgiveness. Aware of reconciliation. We know about the death of Jesus who brings us life.
O Scooper of Dust, only one who loves the earth and the gardens would scoop dust. Someone not as careful and thoughtful would claw or grab at dust. You scoop us up so many times.
As we prepare for a restful evening, prepare our hearts for the second Day of Lent. We will have rubbed off the smudge by morning, but may we always be marked by your love and grace and scooping. Whatever discipline we have made a point to observe this Lent, may it remind us that we are yours, we came from you and we will return to you. And in the meantime, we are with you.
In that confidence and contentment, we offer prayers for our church friends and family ….
We pray for…
- A member who suffered a fall and broke bones in wrist; prayers that surgery will be scheduled soon and will be successful
- A member whose mother died; thankful for loving relationships
- One who is awaiting prognosis and treatment reports for oncologist tomorrow; prayers for husband and other family who are waiting
- President Jimmy Carter to feel the love and prayers of so many who admire his work with Habitat for Humanity and showing us how to love our neighbor!
- Young children who have lost parents … those in our own communities through illness and those in far away places like Ukraine and Turkey. May there be networks of support for all of these precious ones.
- A member’s mother who is going through difficult health situation
- One whose sister is ill; may her adult children care for her in loving ways.
- A mother who wants the best for his adult son
- Those who are grieving death of a pet
- Two sisters who do their best to care for and make good decisions about their mother
- A daughter anxious about tests while pregnant
- A colleague who is having cataract surgery tomorrow
- A friend having CT scan tomorrow; prayers for answers
We continue to pray for…
- Those receiving radiation and chemotherapy treatments
- Those in rehab recovering from stroke or surgery
- A member waiting for heart surgery
- Peace in Ukraine
- The people in Turkey and Syria
- Those whose depression or other mental health concerns keep them isolated
- Families in Ohio and Pennsylvania affected by derailment
We continue to pray for…
- New members who joined Sunday!
- A job
- A couple getting married
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.
