Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of May 9, 2021
Written by Rev. Jan Buxton Wade
You are our Risen Lord, and in these days of Eastertide we reflect upon your glorious Ascension. As you were taken up unto the heavens, your followers were confused; and we in our era confess that we overlook the significance of your extraordinary ascent. We cherish our memory of those days when you walked the dusty byways with your friends, teaching them along the way, close enough to comfort and support. These reflections remind us that you are present with us in the ordinariness of our days. But your mission was not solely for that one devoted community of ages past, nor for our own community today. Your return to the Father solidified your holy union forever, declaring your omnipresence throughout the universe. As the world has seen and known you, so have all seen and known the Father. Thanks be to God!
Lord in your mercy, receive our humble prayer.
O God of Mystery, we picture Christ rising among luminous clouds, his arms outstretched, demonstrating that his love permeates all the world. And that which Christ loves, we are called to embrace. Such a command demands our all, Lord, for how near impossible it is to pray for those who wish us harm, to show grace and forgiveness to those enemy nations who seek our downfall. You have laid down a standard, Lord, that none but the most trusting can follow. Strengthen our own trust, we pray, that we might also practice your radical, forgiving love.
Lord in your mercy, receive our humble prayer.
O Friend of All, we are mindful of our own human weakness, and we lean upon your mercy and grace to encourage all who are broken in mind, body, or spirit. The psalmist tells us that “Weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Help us remember that all that harms us will eventually turn to ashes and that one day you will set things right. Initiate that new beginning for those who call out in your name, particularly those who are in deep mourning, those suffering in places where the Covid death toll rises, those who have lost their homes through disaster or violence, those whose memory has deserted them; and also touch each of these Church Street friends who bring before you their own needs and their thanksgivings:
Joys
- Back pain is decreasing following recent surgery
- Mother in assisted living most happy with arrangement
- Thanksgiving for our valiant high school seniors
- Appreciation for home help for challenged son
- Prayers appreciated: cousin’s triple heart by-pass successful
- Grateful that brother with Covid released from hospital
- Gratitude: member’s knee surgery went smoothly
- One with cancer celebrates a week of renewed energy
- Prayers upheld brother-in-law during his successful May 7 surgery
Concerns
- Prayers for member having heart procedure May 12
- Adult son grieving death of his mother in New Delhi
- Vaccine availability for people of India overwhelmed by virus
- Continued prayers for husband recovering from rare cancer
- That two in deep depression may be delivered from their pain
- Prayers for Hispanic friend with multiple needs
- Healing for families who have lost beloved family members due to gun violence in the Austin-East community
- Healing for member recovering from back surgery
- Grace & comfort for husband in hospice care at home
- Prayers for loved ones living in throes of dementia
- Continued recovery for one in therapy for injured leg
- Prayers that shoulder injury will not require surgery
- Full Covid recovery for single mother of two
God of our Salvation, we feel you working through your Risen and Ascended Son, showering us with new courage and endurance to face the challenges that have entered our lives. Thanksgiving fills our souls when we remember that we are held fast and forever in your grasp, and we now offer that prayer that has sustained us throughout the ages:
