BINDING SOUL AND SOURCE
Prayers for the Church Street Family
January 21, 2021
Rev. Dr. Jan Buxton Wade
O God of the Sun and the Shade, the darkness works its way through the crooked tree limbs all around, leaving us with only luminous outlines of the blessed light that has covered us this day. But darkness brings blessings of its own: a chance to slow down, an opportunity to go deeper, an invitation to take stock. We admit that we rushed by you today, Lord, when you appeared in so many places. But now in the quiet hours, we recall the kind word spoken, the gesture of support, evidences of your grace, especially . . . . . . . . . . . . The joys that have lightened our path came from your open hand. And tomorrow, clothe us with more clarity, that we may detect your miracles at work in our very midst. To you be all praise!
Come to us now, Lord, as we are veiled in the memories of our missteps: the coarse words that came from our lesser selves, the unwarranted sarcasm, misplaced humor, our prideful thoughts, and especially . . . . . . . . . . Scrub away all that has tarnished our witness, we pray, and rinse us with that bracing water of forgiveness, that we may be cleansed and ready to join you in service.
Consoling Companion, we remember those for whom the evening hours are long and fear-filled: those lying in hospital beds uncertain of their diagnosis, those waiting for the phone call revealing an outcome from surgery, those without employment who can only stare into emptiness, others whose physical pain prevents their eyes from closing. In truth, we all wait for something, but give rest and consolation, we pray, to our brothers and sisters whose souls are depleted. Use us, we pray, to lift them up both in prayer and deed, till they are assured that your Spirit waits with them.
And Tender Spirit that you are, touch each of these souls who bring their joys and their deepest hurts to you this night. May each feel the prayers that are offered as well as your breath of love:
- Gratitude: Son in Oregon healed from Covid
- Thankful brother made it through emergency surgery last night
- Member thankful for 98th birthday
- Member grateful for her virus vaccination
- Thanksgiving that business is picking up
- Gratitude that healthcare workers are receiving vaccinations
- Praises for our church’s worship and ministries
- Two mothers dealing with sons with addictions
- Healing of older sister, recovering from Covid
- Elderly father healing from broken hip
- Healing for one with serious heart issues
- Wisdom and insight for our President and Cabinet
- Prayers for outgoing President and team members
- Member who is depressed
- Healing of husband with heart ailment
- Young mother with Covid, for healing
- For vulnerable populations to receive vaccine
- Cousin recovering from major stroke
- Healing for brother hospitalized (Covid)
- 62-yr-old friend, for cancer remission
- Exhausted caregiver, for help to arrive
- Strength for one enduring chemo side effects
- Recovery for husband with Covid
Take all our prayers, spoken and unspoken, and keep them in your bin of hope. May we rest now in the darkness, assured that the light has not gone out, for it keeps vigil in our hearts. And whatever tomorrow brings, we know we will be robed once again in the Light of Christ, our Lord, who 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.
