Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of January 24, 2024

Written by Rev. Tim Best

Gracious God,

We praise you for your patience and presence in all things. As snow and ice melt, we give you thanks and praise for the ways that you have been at work in our community and in our church. We praise you for the ways your Spirit has been at work to teach us patience. Patience with those that we live with, patience with our neighbors, and patience with our expectations for how the world should work. May you continue to teach us in and through all things and draw us closer to your loving grace.

For many of us these “snow days” have been an inconvenience, a disruption to our normal routines and our expected plans. Help us to feel comfortable in naming and sharing our frustrations and disappoints before you, but make us ever mindful of the needs and suffering of others. We pray for those that will continue to experience the consequences of our frigid temperatures and snowfall for days to come. We pray for those who have homes that have been damaged, those that lost working hours, those that suffered in the cold, all others who will continue to deal with difficulties due to the weather.

We pray for those who are dealing with illness and disease. Be present with those who face surgeries or long recoveries. We know that in Christ all things shall be made whole, all people shall be made complete, and sickness will be no more. As we wait for the fullness of that future, make us, your church, agents of your love and healing. May we care for those who are lonely, support those who are sick, and may we offer care to the dying.

We pray for our leaders and for the peace of the world. We recognize, and proclaim to all the world, that all authority and power rests in Christ. Guide all those who would seek to wield authority over others that they would be humble in their own gifts, and abundant in their magnanimity towards others. As disciples of the Prince of Peace we pray for the victims of war, for all veterans, and for those that we name as enemies. Make us active instruments of your peace and grace in our own communities and throughout the world.

As the sun sets on our community once again, may your rest fall upon the hearts of your people. Relieve us of our anxieties and frustrations and be renewed through our rest in you. Whether wearied or rejoicing, blanket us with the knowledge of your love and presence. Help us to patiently wait for tomorrow, neither grasping too quickly for the good, nor dreading as so authoritative and final the bad. It is out of trust in you that we offer the concerns and the joys of our Church Street community:

We pray for ….

• For those who are serving in the military; particularly those engaged in the Red Sea. Praying for safety and that resources can be delivered to those in need.
• Those who are homeless or who have inadequate housing
• For a child who is learning to maneuver with a cast and a wheelchair while his leg heals
• For children heading back to school who have been out of the routine for a while
• For a loved one who was just diagnosed with cancer
• Those who have had surgery and are in rehab
• A couple who is beginning a new journey of IVF
• City and county officials and workers who have worked above and beyond during the record snow, ice, and below freezing temps
• Our neighbors at Maplehurst and for all UT students starting back
• A 7-month old nephew who is having tests run
• A neighbor who had a heart attack and is in ICU; prayers for his wife. May they both feel God’s peace through this.
• A member who has had a stroke; prayers for strength as they move to rehab
• An aunt grieving the death of her niece

We continue to pray for ….

• A member’s son who is having intestinal/abdominal issues; hoping to get diagnosis and treatment soon
• Those who are looking for meaningful employment
• Young adults studying abroad
• Caregivers
• Those with chronic illness as they deal with the day-to-day ups and downs

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

• The birth of a healthy baby boy!
• Family and friends who are there to help when needed
• Good neighbors
• Doctors and nurses who serve in neonatal ICU
• Clear scans

In patience trust of your love we pray, as we pray together the prayer that Christ our Lord has taught us….

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.

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of January 17, 2024

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance*

O Loving God of all Creation, we look out over the snow and think, “How beautiful!” Others think, “Oh no!” as medical procedures are put on hold. Children exclaim, “YIPPEE!” while parents and grandparents sigh, “another day.” For some it has brought a much needed respite; for others, more work. For some, there has been the joy of baking and for others there have been pangs of hunger as the usual places to get a meal are shut off. Some are having COVID flashbacks as we ‘work from home’ on ZOOM.  

Whatever our circumstance, O God, we thank you for the brightness and whiteness reflecting from the snow. Thie light reminds us we are in Epiphany! O God of Epiphany, we need YOUR light! We remember the words of Isaiah just a few weeks ago: “Arise, shine; for your light has come!” We think of those whose loneliness or circumstances cover them in darkness; loved ones we wish to help but the darkness seems impenetrable.  

May we trust in your Light. 

As a star rose high into the nighttime sky to draw the nations to the Christ-child; send your blessing, O God, on this nation, and every nation, and draw the whole world to your peace and truth. We pray for your children in Israel and in Gaza. We pray that your light shines in the minds and reasoning of those in power. 

May we trust in your Light.  

As John the Baptist guided throngs of people to the edge of the wilderness and baptized Jesus in the River Jordan, we pray that you would guide our country and our leaders to the ways of justice and righteousness. We have just celebrated Martin Luther King Day but know we have so much left to do.  

May we trust in your Light to guide us, O God. 

As Jesus called his disciples to leave their nets and boats, and follow him, we pray that your spirit would give us courage to set aside the things that hinder our discipleship. We pray for your light to clarify the things we need to leave behind – relationships, dependencies, additions, longings that do not reflect your will. Help us to leave our nets on the shore and leave those things that seemed essential before we heard the call, so that we might travel the road you have put before us.  

May we trust your Light to lead us, O God.  

Lord Jesus, Light of the World, hear our prayers, and make us reflections of your Light, that the places of darkness in our world, in our community, and in our relationships, would be pierced by your Light, and that all would be drawn to you and be overwhelmed with joy.  

We pray for ….

• A sister who is anemic and for her doctor who is trying to find the cause.
• Patience and guidance as one helps her brothers on family farm 
• All people and animals who do not have shelter during this freezing winter
• Someone who is asking for God’s will to be made clear to him. Wants to move beyond identity as “survivor” or “victim” into what God is desiring for him.
• A friend who is a missionary in the Philippines; particularly in the Davao City area. Concerns arising from floods and earthquakes
• For those who are serving in the military; particularly those engaged in the Red Sea. Praying for safety and that resources can be delivered to those in need.
• Those who are homeless
• For school children for whom ‘snow days’ are difficult because of situations at home.
• For all in our church who are dealing with cancer
• A dear friend who is grieving the death of her husband.

We continue to pray for ….

• A couple trying to make good decisions about boundaries and friendships
• A member’s son who is having intestinal/abdominal issues; hoping to get diagnosis and treatment soon
• An individual who requests prayers for many concerns including depression and sleep disorder; prayers for peace and healing in body and family. 
• Those who are adapting to being home after being in rehab for extended stay
• Those who are looking for meaningful employment
• Young adults studying abroad

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

• The birth of a healthy baby boy!
• Family and friends who are there to help when needed
• Vestal UMC, Magnolia UMC, and Cokesbury UMC working with the Office of Housing Stability and government agencies to provide warming shelters
• Family Promise volunteers
• Aneighbor who stopped by to check on us

We offer this in the name of Jesus Christ 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.

*A portion of this prayer is adapted from one written Rev, Rick Morley, an Episcopal priest, who lives in New Jersey.

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of January 10, 2024

Written by Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst, in your graciousness hear our prayers.

Winter. Even though we know the daylight hours are extending longer, they just don’t seem to get longer quickly enough. We’re eager to re-greet spring’s warmth, colors, blossoms and “new life.” At the same time, Holy Creator, we’re thankful for the wonders of four seasons here in our scenic valley of this Earth.

Winter’s longer hours of nighttime remind us that you are not only the God of light, but that it was in darkness when many of your great works occurred; and they still happen. From the very first “day” of creation to Jesus’ birth to the miracle of the resurrection (plus so many other instances recorded in scripture), your mighty acts dwarfed the darkness during the moments they were done. Thank you for never abandoning us, even in our darkest moments.

With the start of the new year behind us, many of us have resumed routines of daily living. Others are navigating less familiar pathways, or pursuing new opportunities. Others face uncertainties and anxieties due to personal losses, health concerns, financial hardships, fractured relationships, self-doubt, demands for decision-making amid murky considerations, and other difficult situations. Whatever our own circumstance, getting from point A to some future point B often sets our priorities. But sometimes in doing that, we overlook what is also important now. Help us realize every moment is a gift of grace from you, Omniscient God, and teach us ways to better use these moments. Thank you for abiding with us always, constantly, ceaselessly.

Grant your blessings, Lord, on Church Street United Methodist Church. We’re thankful for the staff and clergy whose commitments, talents and teamwork help extend your grace to others. We are grateful also to teachers, leaders, musicians and volunteers at your church who give of their talents and time in ministry for you.

Keep us mindful that as congregants in your kingdom, you long for us to serve one another through acts of love and unselfishness. Continue to teach us ways to do so. Echoing the prayer of Sir Thomas More, “The things, good Lord, that we pray for, give us the grace to labor for.”

Merciful God, please hear these needs and prayers of others in our church community. Surround each person with your loving embrace and comfort…

Listed below are prayer concerns shared by our church community …

We pray for … 

• those who are grieving the sudden death of a friend
• for a daughter who has pneumonia
• a couple trying to make good decisions about boundaries and friendships
• a member’s son who is having intestinal/abdominal issues; hoping to get diagnosis and treatment soon
• a family who is grieving the death of a cousin
• for a couple who experienced a miscarriage
• for all students and teachers who are getting back into a routine!
• those who are looking for meaningful employment
• young adults studying abroad
• An individual who requests prayers for many concerns including depression and sleep disorder; prayers for peace and healing in body and family.
• those who are adapting to being home after being in rehab for extended stay
• a family who is struggling after their mother/wife left them. Prayers for good mental health care.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

• a cousin who fell but is recuperating very well
• co-workers who helped out
• MLK commemorative events in our community
• medical tests that came back with good news
• friends who hold us in prayer

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of January 3, 2024

Rev. Catherine Nance

O God of The New Year, we thank you for the gift of new beginnings and looking forward. 

O God of The Every Day, we thank you that you are with us each day and in the ordinary moments. 

O God of The New Year, we look to you as we set goals and make promises about our discipleship. 

O God of The Every Day, we thank you that you forgive us, love us, and encourage us when we fall short of what we had planned. 

O God of The New Year, help us to see how you have always been with us. Open our eyes and heart to know that you are the one who will guide us. Forgive us for making goals and resolutions without first listening to your Spirit. 

O God of The Every Day, thank you for being with us in our routines and bringing meaning to the rhythms of our everyday living. May we resolve to live each day being fully aware of your presence. 

O God of The New Year, we thank you for the glorious Advent and Christmas seasons that have brought such joy and inspire us to do more for you, give more of ourselves, and love more deeply in our relationships. 

O God of The Every Day, humble our prideful selves. Remind us that is it through you that we achieve anything good, not because of our efforts.  

We have entered a new year. Today is the third day of the new year, the tenth day of Christmas, and it is the day we have with you now. And so, we offer a prayer of surrendering to you. Thank you for John Wesley and his reworking of an ages-old prayer that we can offer this day and any day to you.  

Let us pray together … 

*I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven. Amen. 

*WESLEYAN COVENANT RENEWAL PRAYER     

John Wesley adapted this prayer from the Puritan tradition that was so important to his parents, Samuel and Susannah, and life in the Epworth rectory. It informed his theology and preaching. He expected the people called “Methodists” to pray this prayer at the beginning of each new year as a way of remembering and renewing their baptismal covenant. (copied from UMCDiscipleship.org) 

Listed below are prayer concerns shared by our church community ….. 

We pray for … 

• A member’s mother who fell; fractured humerus; prayers for healing and strength
• One who is still continuing to look for a job; prayers for healing of spirit
• An adult child studying in Rome
• A welcoming congregation for so many who are looking for refuge
• A couple who is awaiting news from embryo transfer; Lord, in your mercy …
• An individual who requests prayers for many concerns including depression and sleep disorder; prayers for peace and healing in body and family. 
• A member who was recently diagnosed with brain tumor; home now; thankful for husband who is wonderful caregiver
• A member in rehab after surgery
• A member in rehab after brain surgery and treatments
• Adult children who have to make hard decisions about long-term care for parents
• Couples who are wanting so desperately to have children; 
• Peace in our world; Lord, we are worried about the Middle East! May we trust in your peace!
• A daughter and son and their families grieving the death of their father

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

• A new grandson!
• A new baby boy!
• A husband who is starting a new job tomorrow
• Friends I can lean on

We continue to pray for ….

• Those who are caregivers for loved ones
• One who is looking for new employment
• Healthy pregnancies
• Strength and healing for those who have recently had hospitalizations

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of December 27, 2023

Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst, in your graciousness hear our prayers.  

Here we are again, Lord. We’re in that “in between” time at the end of the year – – in between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. It’s an interval when we look back on experiences over the past few days while fixing our eyes on expectations when we encounter the first of the 366 days of 2024. 

Of course you know, God, whatever the time of year, we’re always “in between.” That’s part of our reality. Some of the in betweens are brief, some are long. Some are expected, some are surprises. Some bring welcomed respite, others breed anxiety and stress. Some are good, some are not-so-good. Some are in our control, others are imposed on us haphazardly.  

God, we’re grateful in knowing that through your grace and mercy, whatever our in betweens may be, you are always there with us.  

One of your sacred Proverbs reminds us that if we acknowledge you in all our ways, you will direct our paths. Maybe adhering to this for all our in betweens is a wise resolution to live by in the coming year…and beyond. 

The Advent and Christmas season inspired us to be generous, more loving, kinder and more charitable, especially to people in greater need of life’s necessities. Thank you for those opportunities to serve one another. But now, gracious Lord, even though Christmas is over, people who are without homes still have to endure the cold and dampness, people who lack food still hunger, people who are confined due to illness, disability or other causes of isolation still undergo loneliness; and so many other injustices persist throughout our community and world. So, God, as Kingdom people, instill in us the grace and impetus to continue to do what you require of us: to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you. 

Merciful God, as we seek for ourselves (and wish for others) prosperity in 2024, help us to recognize that true and enduring prosperity is not riches, possessions or “stuff,” rather prosperity is living our daily lives with the peace that surpasses all understanding – – the peace that only you can provide.  

We pray, too, that such peace finds its way into the hearts, minds and actions of nations’ leaders around the Earth. Through your holy intervention, cure your children’s warring madness. Fulfill in our time the prophet’s foretelling of swords being beat into plowshares, spears into pruning hooks. 

Lord, we earnestly pray that you hear and respond to these special needs and expressions of others in our church community.  Surround each person with your loving presence and embrace… 

We pray for … 

• An individual who requests prayers for many concerns including depression and sleep disorder; prayers for peace and healing in body and family. 
• An individual with epilepsy who is facing heart surgery.
• A member waiting on transfer to rehab facility for PT
• A member’s good health after being hospitalized over Christmas
• Those who are struggling with addiction and feel they have no hope
• Those who are grieving – especially those for whom this is the ‘first Christmas since …’ 
• A member who was recently diagnosed with brain tumor; home now; thankful for husband who is wonderful caregiver

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

• Beautiful services all day Sunday, December 24!
• Our custodial staff
• Successful surgery
• Church maintenance staff for preventing significant damage to the church from this week’s fire. Yet also your healing touch for all whose mental states of mind would lead them to attempt such harm to others.

We continue to pray for ….

• Those who are recovering after surgery
• Member healing from rotator cuff surgery
• Those who are caregivers for loved ones
• One who is looking for new employment
• Healthy pregnancies

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.