Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of May 24, 2023
Rev. Andy Ferguson
Fire-giving God, on the day before long-ago Pentecost,
You looked down on all you had created:
–a universe beyond measure,
–a world of sustained beauty and productivity,
–creatures great and small.
You looked down on the followers of your Son:
–hiding for fear of their lives,
–hopeless in the face of the Cross and his crucifixion,
–trying to comprehend the news that the Savior Son again lives — resurrection!
In the days before Pentecost…
Most days, just now, it seems that we still live in the days before Pentecost,
As if your Spirit Fire did not fall to empower believers like us.
In countries across the globe, families still hide
for fear of war outside their doors.
–In Ukraine, Syria and sub-Saharan Africa death fills the air.
–Let them breathe freedom again at the falling of the Spirit’s Fire.
Families up and down Central America live in hopelessness today:
–Gangs of criminals make their lives a living hell,
–Corrupt governments look the other way in the face of injustice,
–Jobs in their home countries are impossible to find and keep.
We struggle to comprehend how lives are changed now that the Savior Son lives.
He was raised on long ago Easter, so why is life still fragile?
Why is chatter about the Resurrection reserved for graveyard ceremonies?
What does that long-ago Pentecost mean for this world? This time? This day?
Fire-giving God, as you sent tongues of fire to fall on disciples long ago,
Send fire again to fall on all who still believe.
Set us on fire for the Savior Son, Jesus the Christ,
That we might be part of building a world
Of such peace that the warriors will lay down their arms in awe.
That those who watch their children suffer will see a new day dawning.
Give us such an experience of the Spirit falling
That we too must run to tell what God has done,
That we might live in Pentecost hope as they did.
We pray in the name of Jesus, who sent the Spirit Fire after him. Amen.
We pray for ….
- Third graders who are having a difficult time this week; prayers for parents. Please God, help our teachers not feel judged.
- A niece who has been diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Bless her in her work (chaplain with hospice patients) as she deals with her own struggles.
- Caregivers who feel torn in so many directions; prayers of thanksgiving for those who understand.
- A safe delivery of baby boy
- God’s peace while waiting on medical procedures and results
- A member waiting on diagnosis in hospital; prayers for doctors as they find the right protocol
- A dear friend who is battling so many demons; pray that he will listen to God’s Voice.
- Families going through all of the transitions of graduation and moving up and leaving home
- Safe travels for a son who is moving today; grateful for supportive and loving parents to help!
- A member in hospice care and her husband who cares for her; strength for both.
- A family friend who has been in hospital for ten days; praying that the surgery yesterday to remove MRSA infection is successful and will bring healing.
We continue to pray for …
- The precious child at Children’s Hospital who has had ups and downs since his tracheotomy. Prayers for weary parents. Lord, in your mercy, provide tangible signs of hope and healing.
- A member recovering after surgery
- Clarity from doctors and patience while we wait for a medical answers and direction
- A young wife as she and family prepare for funeral of husband this weekend
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …..
- Summer vacation! Please let everyone have a good summer!
- Our church family
- The joy a new baby brings
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.
All are welcome at Church Street! We believe every person is of sacred worth and created in God’s image. We welcome and celebrate the gifts God has given to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, status, economic condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious affiliation. We respect diversity of opinion and expressions of Christian faith. We believe God loves everyone unconditionally! As God loves us, so let us love and serve in the name of Christ.
Weekly Prayer – May 24, 2023
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of May 24, 2023
Rev. Andy Ferguson
Fire-giving God, on the day before long-ago Pentecost,
You looked down on all you had created:
–a universe beyond measure,
–a world of sustained beauty and productivity,
–creatures great and small.
You looked down on the followers of your Son:
–hiding for fear of their lives,
–hopeless in the face of the Cross and his crucifixion,
–trying to comprehend the news that the Savior Son again lives — resurrection!
In the days before Pentecost…
Most days, just now, it seems that we still live in the days before Pentecost,
As if your Spirit Fire did not fall to empower believers like us.
In countries across the globe, families still hide
for fear of war outside their doors.
–In Ukraine, Syria and sub-Saharan Africa death fills the air.
–Let them breathe freedom again at the falling of the Spirit’s Fire.
Families up and down Central America live in hopelessness today:
–Gangs of criminals make their lives a living hell,
–Corrupt governments look the other way in the face of injustice,
–Jobs in their home countries are impossible to find and keep.
We struggle to comprehend how lives are changed now that the Savior Son lives.
He was raised on long ago Easter, so why is life still fragile?
Why is chatter about the Resurrection reserved for graveyard ceremonies?
What does that long-ago Pentecost mean for this world? This time? This day?
Fire-giving God, as you sent tongues of fire to fall on disciples long ago,
Send fire again to fall on all who still believe.
Set us on fire for the Savior Son, Jesus the Christ,
That we might be part of building a world
Of such peace that the warriors will lay down their arms in awe.
That those who watch their children suffer will see a new day dawning.
Give us such an experience of the Spirit falling
That we too must run to tell what God has done,
That we might live in Pentecost hope as they did.
We pray in the name of Jesus, who sent the Spirit Fire after him. Amen.
We pray for ….
We continue to pray for …
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …..
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.
Senior Spotlight – Sara Logan Cada
Featured, YouthOne 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 2023! Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.
Meet Sara Logan!
End of the Year Reflection
UncategorizedAlmost Summer!
It’s hard to believe this school year is coming to a close and summer is nearly here. We have lots of exciting things going on this summer — MAD in the City, Operation Backyard, Bible studies, Hang Times. But before we jump right into what is next, let’s take a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the year we are finishing.
Here are some questions to help you look back and practice gratitude for all God has done this school year.
If you would like to reflect alongside the Psalms, here are some recommendations:
More details for summer are coming. But for now, let us pause, pray, and praise. God is good and worthy of our worship.
Grace and peace,
Jenny
Senior Spotlight – Reese Wineland
Featured, YouthOne 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 2023! Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.
Meet Reese Wineland!
Senior Spotlight – Kitely Sherman
Featured, YouthOne 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 2023! Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.
Meet Kitely Sherman!
Weekly Prayer – May 17, 2023
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of May 17, 2023
Rev. Catherine Nance
O God of Alpha and Omega, God of Beginnings and Endings and Beginning Again, we can hear the strains of Pomp and Circumstance in the air and see mortarboards being tossed towards the heavens. Students are relieved and giddy; parents are relieved and tearful. Whether the graduate is a three-year old moving up to Pre-K or a young adult receiving a hood, we are grateful for your presence in their lives and in ours.
When we move through milestones – and what is sometimes harder – watching children move through milestones, we take time to give thanks for the ways you have been with us along the way.
The month of May brings memories and hopes and always a bit of heartache. We pray for teachers who have done their very best this year. We pray for teachers who wish they could do more and for teachers who are wondering if they still have the spark. We pray for those who teach and lead at colleges and universities; institutions which used to be places for exploration and hard questions but are now under such scrutiny. We think of students for whom school is their safe place and for others who are already dreading next school year. O God of Compassion, put the right people in paths of those who need to hear an encouraging word.
Some joyously celebrated Mother’s Day last week and others were grieving. You know all the stories, O God. You know the desires and the disappointments and the celebrations. We pray for new mothers who are hoping for so much and for older mothers who long for their children. Mother’s Day and Decoration Day and Memorial Day … so many opportunities for celebration and honoring precious memories. We are grateful. But we are also human and know that we can break one another’s heart; and yours. Forgive us when we do not reflect the grace that you bestow.
Fill the world with the hope that swells when we hear bands play at graduation! A drumroll and the crescendo of the horns opens our ears and hearts and spirits to possibilities. The signs of “congratulations” and balloons we pass in the neighborhood make us want to start over and do better. Forgive us when we look back with regret; fill us with “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow!” May we see your blessings all around us and be thankful!
There are many concerns, O Lord! Church members have poured out their heart knowing that there is strength and healing when we say the words, “please pray for me…” So, in the newness of spring and the glory of your presence, we offer thanks for the gift of prayer.
We pray for …..
We offer thanksgiving for ….
We continue to pray for ….
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.
Senior Spotlight – Clara Suters
Featured, Uncategorized, YouthOne 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 2023! Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.
Meet Clara Suters!
Senior Spotlight – Lilly Carroll
Featured, YouthOne 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 2023! Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.
Meet Lilly Carroll!
Senior Spotlight – Gracie Pardue
Featured, YouthOne 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 2023! Our seniors answered interview questions earlier this semester and it has been so much fun learning their answers! Check back in each week to get to know our seniors better and help to cheer them on as they wrap up high school and prepare for their next steps.
Meet Gracie Pardue!
Weekly Prayer – May 10, 2023
Featured, prayer for todayWeekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of May 10, 2023
Rev. Catherine Nance
Sunshine! Light of the World! Let there be light! Let your light shine! Arise, shine; your light has come!
O God who is Light and who created Light and shares Light, we are aware of and grateful for what the power of sunshine today! This was a beautiful Wednesday. THANK YOU! Our souls as well as our bodies have soaked up your warmth!
Make us aware of how our spirits are connected to what is happening outdoors. It is difficult to grumble in the morning when we hear birds chirping happily. We breathe in deeply as we leave our temperature-controlled offices to go outdoors. Our lungs perk up with the fresh air. We give you thanks for this connection to creation. Forgive us when we forget that we are part of your creation. Forgive us when we forget that we are called to be stewards of this gift. May we take time to notice sky, earth, rivers, and creeks. We even thank you for all critters; they remind us that we humans were not the only ones on your mind as you said, “Let there be ….”
Gracious God, we pray that all may feel the warmth of your light and sense the brightness of your love. We know that we are called to be light bearers and light reflectors! Give us the strength and humility to live into those roles. There seems to be so much darkness and strife – we are weary of hearing news and breaking news and updates on breaking news! Yes, we know. We know all the things that are happening in the world. How can we not know with all of the alerts? Honestly, God, we find ourselves becoming numb and losing our empathy. Please shine a light on someone near us; shed a glimmer of hope on a situation nearby where we can focus our attention and prayers and love. We do pray for “your world,” O God, but sometimes we need a smaller picture. We pray for large categories of people; make our prayers have intention!
We pray for the hungry …. we know about our guests at Soup Kitchen and those who receive extra ‘weekend backpacks’ of food. Thank you for these dear souls, Loving God, whom we have the honor to nourish.
We pray for the sick …. We can picture people in our neighborhood or in our Sunday School class. These are dear ones who are hurting right now and we are thankful for the ways we can reach out to them and share your love.
We pray for the lonely …. We are sure there are so many in the world! Thank you for helping us see that one person in our line of vision, O God! May our attention to them be a healing balm.
Thank you for hearing our prayers at the end of the day. We have so much to be thankful for!
We offer the requests from our congregation …..
We pray for ….
We continue to pray for …
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …
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.