Weekly Prayer – 5/27/2026

Week of May 27, 2026

Rev. Tim Best

_________________________________

Gracious God,

We give you thanks for the gifts of this day. We are thankful to come to the end of the day, carrying the burdens we have accumulated alongside the joys and blessings of today. Lift from our hearts all those things that weigh us down, and help us to see the hidden blessings that we have missed throughout the day.

We are mindful of the challenges of the world around us. We pray for harmony and unity within our community and in our nation. We pray for an end to the violence between our nation and Iran, just as we pray for the victims of violence within local communities across our country. We pray for the families of the victims of the shooting in San Diego. We pray for those whose loved ones are in faraway places and in harms way. Bring peace to places both near and far, and cure within our own hearts the bent to violence and hate we all carry.

We pray for those in any sort of suffering. Heal those who are sick, be present with the lonely, and grant a calm spirit to all those who are filled with worry and concern. Transform us, your church, into a community that is dedicated to making your love known through deed and word, here and everywhere. With trust in your love and mercy, receive these concerns from our Church street Family:

We pray for ….

  • A member who is dealing with infection after surgery. Thankful surgeon was able to remove infection. Praying that this young mother can heal well and get back to good health!
  • A family dealing with the death of their loved one from violence. Prayers for the clergyman who is ministering to them.
  • Families who observed Memorial Day remembering those who died while serving our country.

We continue to pray for …

  • Those who are grieving … may they feel the peace of God and the promise of Eternal Life.
  • Members who are going through the cycles of chemotherapy and radiation. May side effects be minimal and may the healing effects be strong!
  • Friends and family who are going through struggles.
  • For a mother in her late-eighties who is waiting on appointments with specialists to determine next steps for cancer treatment and answers for other health concerns.
  • A friend who was diagnosed with a brain tumor and has started treatment. Prayers for peace, positivity, and healing.
  • A family preparing to move out of the country; may all go smoothly and may they feel welcomed in their new community.
  • A member who is in transition after a job loss; may he find direction for next steps and resolution for past circumstances.
  • Our military and their families.
  • A couple who just brought home twins! Praying for Big Sister, also!

We give thanks for ….

  • A grandfather who is recovering after having a seizure. Thankful he is able to ‘be himself!’
  • The blessing of a family selected for adoption.

We offer these concerns with a fervent trust in the one 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.

 

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

/0 Comments/by

Weekly Prayer – 05/20/2026

Week of May 20, 2026

Rev. Amber Lloyd

_________________________________

Eternal God,

We bless you and give you thanks for the successful conclusion of another school year. You have been so faithful to us in so many ways. When we were frustrated, you gave us extra measures of grace. When we were anxious or afraid, your Spirit comforted and guided us. The next several weeks bring transitions for many of us, but as we take our next steps, call to mind these formative moments. Help us to remember our roots.

God, you have given us the ability to remember, interpret, and learn from our history, but sometimes we are afraid of what we will discover if we turn back the pages too far. Confronting the truth of our past, though painful, offers us new opportunities to reconcile when we have caused division and to bring healing when we have caused harm. May we never shy away from the chance to bring to light what has been in darkness, both for our sakes and for the sake of others.

This Sunday, we remember the roots of your church. We will gather to celebrate that awesome day when your Spirit poured out on those gathered in Jerusalem, when your sons and daughters prophesied, and the differing languages and backgrounds of those gathered were no longer a barrier to fellowship. You showed us then that salvation is for everyone, that the Holy Spirit is a gift for all who desire to know and love you. Help us to remember our roots, Lord, and throw wide the welcome in our communities of faith.

We ask that your Holy Spirit comfort those of us in need today…

We pray for ….

  • A member who transferred from hospital to rehab this weekend. Prayers as he learns exercises to help with arthritis issues.
  • A friend who was diagnosed with a brain tumor and has started treatment. Prayers for peace, positivity, and healing.
  • Those who are grieving … may they feel the peace of God and the promise of Eternal Life.
  • Members who are going through the cycles of chemotherapy and radiation. May side effects be minimal and may the healing effects be strong!
  • Friends and family who are going through struggles.
  • For a mother in her late-eighties who is waiting on appointments with specialists to determine next steps for cancer treatment and answers for other health concerns.
  • A friend who had a seizure but is recovering; prayers for continued good health.

We continue to pray for …

  • A family preparing to move out of the country; may all go smoothly and may they feel welcomed in their new community.
  • A member who is in transition after a job loss; may he find direction for next steps and resolution for past circumstances.
  • Our military and their families.
  • A couple who just brought home twins! Praying for Big Sister, also!

We give thanks for ….

  • The blessing of a family selected for adoption.
  • A sister’s wedding this weekend!

By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world. We pray now with the confidence of children of God,

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.

 

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

/0 Comments/by

Senior Spotlight: Kate Johnson

One of our favorite things about the spring semester each year is celebrating our graduating seniors. Welcome to the Senior Spotlight series for the graduating class of 2026! 

 

Meet Kate Johnson!

 

What high school are you graduating from?

Karns High School

What are your plans for next year?

ETSU, pre-dental

What is your favorite bible verse?

Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

If you could choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Mac and cheese

If you could give some advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Life is hard. Keep on smiling, even if you lose a few teeth.

What are your top 3 favorite movies?

WALL-E, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Smile.

What is your top book recommendation?

Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman

What is your favorite Church Street memory?

SLA 2019

What are you most excited about going into the next season of your life?

Being an ETSU majorette

/0 Comments/by

Senior Spotlight: Sarah Cheatham

,

One of our favorite things about the spring semester each year is celebrating our graduating seniors. Welcome to the Senior Spotlight series for the graduating class of 2026! 

 

Meet Sarah Cheatham!

 

What high school are you graduating from?

L&N STEM Academy

What are your plans for next year?

I am attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and am pre-medicine! I am majoring in Biochemistry with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology and pursuing a minor in Neuroscience.

What is your favorite bible verse?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2

If you could choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

If I were to eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would have to be some sort of pasta dish. I love Cheese Ziti, Fettuccini Alfredo, Chicken Parmesan, Cajun pastas, and anything with pesto.

If you could give some advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Drink more water, get bangs and face framing layers, and put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid of other people, you either won’t remember or won’t care about 95% of your embarrassing moments anyway.

What are your top 3 favorite movies?

Some of my favorite movies are “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” ,“The Grand Budapest Hotel”, and “Everything Everywhere All at Once”.

What is your top book recommendation?

The 100 Years of Lenni and Margot, by Marianne Cronin

What is your favorite Church Street memory?

My favorite memory has been a culmination of the past couple of months. My family and I are incredibly grateful for all of the delicious meals and kind cards/flowers we have received from the Church Street congregation. It has made us feel connected in a time that feels dark and lonely.

What are you most excited about going into the next season of your life?

I’m mainly excited for the classes I’ll be taking in college, specifically Comparative Invertebrate Biology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Immunology and Virology, and Cancer Biology.

/0 Comments/by

Weekly Prayer – 05/06/2026

Week of May 6, 2026

Rev. Catherine Nance

___________________________

At the writing of this prayer early on Wednesday morning, O God, our state legislators are in recess. People have asked that they hear their voices. It is in this setting that we pray to you, God who neither slumbers nor sleeps; you are never in recess. Thank you O God that you hear the voices of all your people. We pray for those who were elected in primary voting and give thanks for all who exercised their right to vote. You know, O God, that many feel their voice does not matter, will never be heard.

So, we pause from the concerns of the day to give you thanks. We are grateful that you hear the cries of your people. You heard the cries of your people when they were enslaved in Egypt. You hear the cries of a single parent who is struggling to meet schedules and household budget. You hear the sigh of one who is exhausted from chemotherapy and hoping for healing. You hear the prayers, the silent petitions, of so many …

…the youth who is wanting to feel connected

….the parent watching their child struggle

….the older adult who is tired of aging and wondering about their purpose

…the state representative who is wanting to do the right thing but wants to remain ‘electable’

…the officer on a ship just wanting to get home

…. And so many others…

It will be enough tonight O God, to trust in your steadfast love and to know we have been heard. It is enough to know that you care about our voices, our desires, and our needs. We pause for a moment to be silent before you O God. Sift through our prayers and see if our desires align with yours …. We will count it a blessing just to be quiet before your magnificent presence…

[take a moment to be still and quiet]

And now, O God, whatever this day and evening have given us, we take time to look back and thank you for the ways we felt your presence. The nudging, the comfort, the jolt, the affirmation …. Thank you for all the ways you reveal yourself to us.

We thank you for your presence with us throughout the night. Knowing that you do not take a respite from us enables us to rest, to set things aside for a while. May we sleep well tonight and may your love for us be the first thing in our heart and mind when we awake in the morning.

We pray now, O God, for those in our church family who have asked for prayers….

We pray for ….

  • A young man struggling with addiction issues; he is desperately wanting to stay clean but difficult when one is homeless.
  • Those who are grieving … may they feel the peace of God and the promise of Eternal Life.
  • Those who are undergoing treatments for cancer.
  • A member who is in transition after a job loss; may he find direction for next steps and resolution for past circumstances.
  • A visitor to our church last Sunday who is looking for a job and for transportation.
  • Friends and family who are going through struggles.
  • A member continues to heal after surgery; may she feel the power of your steadfast mercies.
  • Those who are in the last days of pregnancy … praying for healthy deliveries.
  • All high school and college seniors who are preparing for graduation.
  • Our brothers and sisters in Memphis who feel the devastation of the SCOTUS decision.

We continue to pray for …

  • Our military and their families.

We give thanks for ….

  • Our Children’s Choir and Parish Youth Choir and a meaningful Evensong service
  • A good visit with family from out of town.
  • Volunteers who give so much of themselves and their time

And together we pray the prayer Christ taught us, 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.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

/0 Comments/by

Weekly Prayer – 04/29/2026

Week of April 29, 2026

Rev. Catherine Nance

___________________________

O God who brought forth hydrangeas and dogwood trees and irises and called them all good, we are so grateful for the beauty of your creation. We see the variety of colors and the diversity of plants and are amazed at your creativity. What a joy to walk past honeysuckle growing along a fence on the greenway! We thank you for the glimpses of joy that spring brings to us.

Some of your plants have been carefully cultivated in gardens and others are growing freely in abandoned yards. Some are along manicured paths and others reach their way across sidewalks. You know each plant and what it needs.

O God who first walked with us in a garden, we are humbled when we think that we humans might bring you joy as you gaze on us; just as peonies and geraniums bring us joy! Thank you for the diversity and uniqueness among us. We do have much in common with our fellow humans, but we appreciate the differences. May we tend to each other just as a gardener tends to the plants. Thank you for the image of caretaking you have given us – caring for your world and for each other.

We pause as a church family on this Wednesday evening to pray for one another … there are those we know who are grieving, who are recovering, who are hurting, who are anxious, who are feeling alone ….

May this time of prayer help us each feel connected to one another and to you, O God. Help us imagine linking our spiritual arms with other church members and know that we are not alone. Perhaps we do not know everyone’s name, yet we felt a sense of unity as we sang a hymn together on Sunday. Or we read over the newsletter and feel connected to ministries that we care about. We do give thanks for your church, O God. This place is more than a building. It is a community of faith that cares for one another.

We also care about what is happening in our community and in our world. We pray for city and county officials as well as those who are running for office. May all who seek office be motivated by service to others and not personal gain. We pray for police officers, fire fighters, and schoolteachers. May they feel our appreciation as they show up for work each day giving so much of themselves. We continue to pray for peace in our world. Forgive world leaders who seem to enjoy speaking in grand and powerful words, but have forgotten the power of humility, concern, and compassion. We pray for our military; may their training keep them safe and may they feel the strength of prayers from home. We all yearn for peaceful solutions.

We offer this prayer in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, who called Mary by name in a garden that first Sunday. As we tend to our gardens, whether they are vegetables or flowers or children or work or art or stories or music, may we hear you calling our name.

We pray now for those who have asked to be remembered …..

We pray for ….

  • A young man and his step-mother as they work through a difficult situation.
  • Those who are grieving … may they feel the peace of God and the promise of Eternal Life.
  • Those who are undergoing treatments for cancer.
  • A mother who just received difficult news about health; prayers for her family as they support her and help process the information.
  • A couple who is waiting to hear about ultrasound and IVF outcomes.
  • Friends and family members going through difficult circumstances.
  • A member who is in transition after a job loss; may he find direction for next steps and resolution for past circumstances.
  • A friend who has a mass on her face; guide the surgeon’s hand as they remove it. We pray that it is benign and there is no nerve damage.
  • For an infant who is sick.

We continue to pray for …

  • Our military and their families.
  • A member who is dealing with glaucoma and eye issues; thankful sight is good in one eye. Prayers for healing in other eye.

We give thanks for ….

  • A member who was declared ‘cancer-free’ after surgery.

And together we pray the prayer Christ taught us, 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.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

/by

Weekly Prayer – April 22, 2026

Week of April 22, 2026

Rev. Tim Best

___________________________

Gracious and loving God,

We praise you for the beauty of nature, for pleasant weather, and for longer days. Help us to discover the blessings in each day, and to praise you in all things. Your mercy and grace are like the warmth and the sunshine. When we encounter hard days and challenging moments, give us eyes to see where you are still present and at work.

We pray for our nation and our world. There is much uncertainty and anxiety in the world, and so we seek the wisdom and guidance of you, O God. Transform our hearts, so that we might pray for enemies, forgive one another, and model for the world the work of reconciliation. Where there is division amongst us, bring reconciliation, healing, and renewal. Guide the leaders of our church, the world, and our communities, so that your world might begin to reflect the image of your coming kingdom.

Our hearts are filled with the knowledge of those who suffer and are in great need. Be present to those who are sick and suffering. We often don’t know how to be present with and care for those we love who suffer; teach us and show us the way. Make us compassionate people, filled with your concern for all people. Empty our hearts of the pride and jealousy that so often destroys our concern for others.

Our congregation “gathers” each week through this prayer to share our concerns and lift our needs together. Bind us together in our concern for one another and our commitment to you. Some of us have written in to share concerns for ourselves or others. Many of us hold our needs quietly in our hearts. Wherever we hold our needs and prayers, see those things that weigh upon us. Grant us freedom from all that burdens us.

We pray for ….

  • Those who are grieving … may they feel the peace of God and the promise of eternal life.
  • Those who are undergoing treatments for cancer.
  • Third-graders, their parents, and their teachers during this time of mandated testing. May our children know that God’s love for them can never be measured!
  • A mother who just received difficult news about health; prayers for her family as they support her and help process the information.
  • A couple who is waiting to hear about ultrasound and IVF outcomes.

We continue to pray for …

  • Our military and their families.

We give thanks for ….

  • A member’s good health who has gone home after a long stay in hospital and rehab! Prayers for continued healing and recovery!
  • A member who is trying a new treatment plan for chronic illness.

We pray all these things in full trust that you see our hearts, and the burdens of our loved ones. With hope and trust in Jesus our Lord, who is risen from the tomb, we join our hearts together to pray the prayer Christ taught us 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.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

/by

Weekly Prayer – 4/15/2026

Week of April 15, 2026

Rev. Amber Lloyd

___________________________

Eternal God of Abundant Life,

The undiminished light of the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us surpassing hope. In Jesus, we have victory over sin and darkness. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are one with Christ in his death and raised with him into new life. Your children at Church Street pour out praise and thanksgiving for the mighty, saving power of your son.

God, we know that you are mighty to save. We have seen you at work in our lives and in the lives of others. Emboldened by your invitation to ask for what we need, we call upon you to intercede in our world. See the human chains created by your children in Iran as they join their hands together around the bridges of their cities. See the hungry, suffering people in Gaza and Palestine and the violence perpetrated against Lebanon. Remember the families in our country who are forced to be apart from one another, to endure the indignity of detention centers, and await the determination of their immigration status. Bring peace, O God. Bring healing and wholeness.

Remind us, Lord, of all the ways you have called us to minister and to love our neighbors. When we pray for peace, we remember that you have called us to be peacemakers. When we pray for healing, we remember that you have called us to offer forgiveness and reconciliation wherever possible. Give us the courage to do what you have called us to do, even when we are misunderstood or rejected. In this world, we may have trouble, but we will not lose heart, because you, O Risen Christ, have overcome the world.

Many in our families and communities seek your will and healing in their lives, O God. We lift those persons to you now…

We pray for ….

  • A member who had their fourth dose of chemo yesterday; prayers that side effects will be minimal.
  • A daughter who was deployed last week and cannot share location.
  • A member who broke foot on Easter Sunday and is now in hospital awaiting surgery; prayers for healing and successful rehab.
  • A member who had surgery this morning for a broken hip; prayers for healing.
  • A family grieving the death of their mother and wife.
  • A member having double mastectomy in the morning; prayers that other treatment will not be necessary.
  • One who is in the hospital; praying for her family as they await diagnosis.
  • A niece who is having a biopsy this week.
  • A member who had surgery this morning and is at home now; prayers for healing. Prayers of gratitude for family who was able to come.

We continue to pray for …

  • A young couple who is waiting for IVF; praying for success after disappointments.
  • Our military and their families.
  • Church members who are undergoing chemotherapy; may they feel God’s strength as their body fights cancer.
  • A member who has begun chemotherapy treatments; prayers for healing.
  • For a young couple with a child and expecting twins; prayers for good health.

We give thanks for ….

  • A member’s good health who has gone home after a long stay in hospital and rehab! Prayers for continued healing and recovery!

Bind us together, Lord. Make us one with you and one with each other.

And now, we pray together these words with your son 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.

 

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

/by

Weekly Prayer – 04/10/1979

Week of April 8, 2026

Pastor Sam Dzobo

___________________________

Gracious God,

As we greet the signs of spring in nature around us, in the songs of returning birds and in fields soon to be planted, we give you praise for an even greater sign of new life: the resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, which we especially celebrate at this time.

The sadness and despair of his death have given way to the bright promise of immortality. For the Resurrection is our guarantee that justice will triumph over injustice, light will overcome darkness, and love will conquer death.

We also give thanks for the Church Street family and those who dedicated themselves to worship and service during Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Those who led, sang, prayed, planned, rehearsed, and prepared. They gave of themselves so that all of us could encounter the Risen Christ. We hold them in your care now, Lord. Grant them Sabbath rest, deep renewal, and the quiet joy of knowing their labor was an offering well received.

During this Eastertide, these fifty days of resurrection joy, breathe into our weariness your renewing Spirit. May we not rush past the gift of this season but linger in its light, allowing Easter to settle deep in our lives and in everything we do.

As we celebrate Easter, we also ask for your grace so that we may live out the promise given to us by imitating Jesus’s life, reaching out to the poor, the marginalized, the least among us, and striving to be neighbors to all we meet. May Easter not just be a moment we remember, but a way of living that we carry into our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and witness to.

We praise you during this Easter season. Transform our lives and hearts. Make us messengers of Easter joy and hope in how we speak, how we serve, and how we love.

We pray for ….

  • A member having another dose of chemo next Tuesday … prayers that her numbers allow the full dose. Continued prayers as she deals with the side effects.
  • A member who is in rehab gaining strength and mobility.
  • A member who has been diagnosed with breast cancer; meeting with surgeon to schedule double mastectomy. Prayers for strength and healing.
  • A daughter who was deployed last week and cannot share location.

We continue to pray for …

  • A young couple who is waiting for IVF in April; praying for success after disappointments.
  • Our military and their families.
  • Children who are living through the trauma of war.
  • Church members who are undergoing chemotherapy; may they feel God’s strength as their body fights cancer.
  • A member who has begun chemotherapy treatments; prayers for healing.
  • For a young couple with a child and expecting twins; prayers for good health.

We give thanks for ….

  • Our clergy and staff who provided such a meaningful and beautiful Holy Week and Easter.

We offer our prayer through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord, forever.

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.

 

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

/by