Lent Devotional – Restoration and Renewal

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Thursday, April 3

By: Rev. Tim Best

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,

we were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter,

and our tongue with shouts of joy;

then it was said among the nations,

“The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us,

and we rejoiced.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord,

like the watercourses in the Negeb.

May those who sow in tears

reap with shouts of joy.

Those who go out weeping,

bearing the seed for sowing,

shall come home with shouts of joy,

carrying their sheaves.

Psalm 126

Restoration and renewal are powerful images. We find inspiration in visualizing dry lands being refreshed by rains and flowing rivers. In times of drought, we are particularly mindful of our need for rain. In the season of planting, we know our need for growth and harvest. Where are the dry places in your life? Where do we need new growth and an abundant harvest? This is the whole point of Lent. Our need is made obvious, and we can speak honestly about the state of our spirits, as we look with anticipation towards Easter.

            As I read the words of Psalm 126, I think about all of the challenges in my own life over the past year. I am reminded of moments of deep sadness and grief, and moments of weariness and despair. I can close my eyes and imagine standing in the pulpit and looking out upon the congregation. I see your faces. I think of the weeping and suffering encountered by so many within our congregation. I think of the grace that enables us to “go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing.” Getting up and doing something in service to God is a great achievement some days. To plant seeds that could grow into hope in the midst of pain is an act of trust.

            Easter doesn’t just come to those able to wear bright emotions and smiles that match the pastel colors of outfits on sale at Belk right now. Easter comes to us in our suffering and sadness. It renews the heavy heart. In the midst of the pain of grief and loss comes the promise of new life, of resurrection. Hope comes to us in our season of need. In the final days of Lent, may God speak words of comfort and words of hope into our lives. May we trust that the God who brought back Jesus from the dead will bring new life to us.

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Weekly Prayer – April 2, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of April 2, 2025

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance

O God of Purple, 

We probably need to confess that we are growing weary of the purple colors in the Nave reminding us it is Lent. We have confessed, we have journeyed, we have given up and given more, and we are tired. We know that purple is the color of penitence. We are sorry. We are sorry for the helpless feelings we have when we see people in the world hurting; we are sorry for the inadequacies we feel when neighbors are asking for help. We know that you suffer for us and with us, O God of purple and God of the cross. 

O God of Purple, we are reminded that the deep color is also one signifying royalty. There are leaders and celebrities around us who would like to be called “King,” but you are our only king. King of kings and Lord of lords! We sang it back during Christmas. We are ready to sing it again, O God. We want a strong and powerful king who will swoop in and make things right. At least, make them how we think they should be. So much feels wrong right now. We must confess, when we see a king on the cross and not on a throne, we sometimes wonder, what kind of kingdom are you leading us to? Forgive us for thinking royalty always means wealth. May we seek your kingdom, O God, and truly trust in your leading. 

O God of Purple, as crocus and irises bloom you remind us that there is new life. That what once seemed like hopelessness and despair suddenly reaches towards the light – slowly and deliberately – and purple brings us joy and hope. O God of Purple, may we stand in the splendor and beauty of your creation, and reclaim, remember what we know.  God of Purple and God of Lent, you have made all of the colors and you receive all of our prayers, whether they are in dark hues or pastels, whether they feel heavy in our hearts or light. Thank you for hearing our prayers and for giving us hope. 

It is in that hope that we offer the prayers for your world and these concerns and thanksgivings from our church family …..

We pray for…

  • A member who is in rehab after having two strokes
  • A mom who seeks wisdom in raising young adults
  • A wife grieving the death of her husband while she recovers from surgery in rehab
  • A member who is working on getting stronger at rehab; hopes to go home soon!
  • All of those who are experiencing ‘compassion fatigue.’ May they not judge themselves for taking care of their own needs!
  • A friend who received notice about her department being shut down at work.
  • A member recovering from an infection and patiently waiting for surgery; thankful for all of the prayers.
  • A mother dealing with a recent diagnosis and waiting on further testing.
  • A friend who has cancer; pray that tumor will shrink so that surgery can be performed; prayers for her husband to have strength through all of this.
  • Friends and family going through a difficult time.
  • A father who is following up with physician after severe chest pains; prayers for his children.
  • A friend who had to have her beloved dog put to sleep; this adds to grief already there. May she be comforted by love of family and friends.
  • A member who fell; is back at assisted living but dealing with missing being at church.
  • A member who continues to be a witness to God’s love even as they deal with cancer.

We continue to pray for….

  • An infant who has had three successful surgeries; continued prayers for healing.
  • Family members/friends who are dealing with addiction issues and dealing with the legal system. 
  • Those who are receiving chemo and/or radiation treatments.
  • Family members who are trying to balance caregiving and work and family responsibilities.
  • Those who are impacted by homelessness.
  • So many who are dealing with Alzheimers and how best to care for family members. Praying for strength!

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.

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Lent Devotional – Loving Relentlessly

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Monday, March 31

By:Pat Bellingrath

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

1 Corinthians 13

As I journey through Lent, I am especially aware of the despair and heartache we are encountering at almost every turn. Anger and sadness have been my constant companions. Using Lent as a time for personal reflection has been difficult for me as I see decisions and policies being made that directly affect my family members, close friends, and those I call sisters and brothers. I was reading a meditation by Diana Butler Bass recently, and she wrote of “loving relentlessly”. My heart has been heavy with a mix of emotions, but I have been thinking of how I might “love relentlessly”. What would that look like for me? I am using my time during Lent to figure out how to love in spite of, in place of, in defiance of. My power will be to love because the power of good and the power of love can be relentless.

Easter awaits us in all its hope and light and beauty. We are the people of God, and so we are the people of love. I will continue to do whatever I can to follow the gospel of Christ and to love my neighbors. I will be a light for others wherever I can. I will be an example of compassion and inclusion, and I will keep my eyes on Jesus. I will put my hands into doing work in small ways: feeding people, supporting others, lifting voices, creating spaces, writing letters, praying for my enemies, holding those who are hurting, reading books to my grandchildren, and singing hymns of praise. I will honor and celebrate those who are Kin-dom builders. I will always stand on the side of justice and with those who have been marginalized. Love outlasts, endures, heals, transforms, and never ceases.

In other words, I will fill my days with loving relentlessly.

Prayer

Lord, fill my heart with love and my days with the vision of your Kin-dom here on earth. May my love for you be evident in all that I do and all that I say. Amen.

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Lent Devotional – Hymns of the Passion

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Thursday, March 27

By: Nancy Carmon

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

John 17:1-5

While I was in Reykjavik, Iceland. I visited a beautiful church—Hallgrimskirkja. It’s quite unique. Iceland is a Christian, largely Lutheran country. I found a book of poetry written in the 1600’s and translated into English called Hymns of the Passion. The Icelandic people love this poetry and use it extensively on many occasions. The poems are even put to music for hymns and read daily during Lent on the National Radio System.

Christ Goes to the Garden

Up, up, my soul, and all my flesh!

Up, up, my heart, and sing afresh.

My thoughts and tongue help me find words

To preach the passion of our Lord.

At last grief pierces me within

How little my devotion is!

That Christ is cursed in my own place

Yet rarely I recall his grace.

Jesus, your Spirit, grant to me.

So all may to your glory be

Sung, written, spoken, all I do

So others may be nourished too!

Prayer

May words awaken our souls that we experience the wonder of Easter anew. Amen

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Weekly Prayer – March 26, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of March 26, 2025

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance

We give you thanks for sunshine, O God of Light!
It was good to stand in the sunshine for a moment this afternoon.
The warmth was reassuring, even with the chilly breeze.
We confess that we let the noise and darkness of the news set the tone for our day instead of the joy and light of your love.
Help us to stand firm when others are creating chaos. Help us to take deep breaths when others are promoting panic.
During these days of Lent, we need your strength and guidance to focus on the routine of our spiritual disciplines: pausing to pray, reading a Psalm, singing a hymn, reciting a creed. We are grateful for words to speak and sing and pray; we are grateful for words that offer Truth, Light, and Love.
Knowing that there are others joining us in prayer gives us a sense of unity in your spirit. We can close our eyes and imagine others who sit near us on the pews at church or think of the names we see on the Rejoice chat; we read names of ‘people to contact’ in the newsletter. We think of people in our Sunday School classes; imagine the faces of choir members. Thank you, O God, for this cloud of witnesses! People we imagine praying along with us. Praying for us.
May your church be a model of reconciliation in a world that seems bent on splitting apart. May the way we love each other and pray for one another be a source of assurance that your grace and your will make a difference in our world.
Sometimes we feel hopeless when we think about ‘the world’ or ‘our country.’ May we find hope in the relationships we have right around us and may that bring us stability. We do pray for the needs of the whole world … Gaza, Palestine, Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, and other faraway places. We do pray for our country … the fires in North and South Carolina, people who are losing their jobs due to federal cuts, children who are hungry and do not have a safe place to live. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers. We do pray for all of these people, O God, but sometimes we feel helpless. We thank you for a church family who is praying for us and for whom we can pray. This intercessory prayer is another discipline that helps our spirit stay grounded in you. And instead of feeling hopeless, we feel peace; instead of feeling helpless, we feel engaged. So, hear us as we pray for others …

We pray for…

  • A member has had a mini-stroke; prayers for strength as he monitors his health in coming weeks.
  • A best friend who has terminal cancer and is in pain.
  • A daughter in the death of her father who died after a long illness. Thankful for support of family.
  • Those who are grieving.
  • A member whose husband’s funeral was this week. May she be comforted by precious memories.
  • A recent widow who is in rehab after surgery. Prayers she can gain strength and healing in spite of grief. 
  • Senior adults who are fearful about ‘benefits’ and other things they are hearing on the news. 

We continue to pray for…

  • An infant who has had three successful surgeries; continued prayers for healing.
  • A young wife and her two children after the unexpected death of her husband due to heart attack; prayers for the other young adults who are supporting them.
  • A good friend who has been diagnosed with very aggressive breast cancer. We pray for a successful surgery and for healing.
  • Family members/friends who are dealing with addiction issues and dealing with the legal system. 
  • Those who are receiving chemo and/or radiation treatments.
  • Family members who are trying to balance caregiving and work and family responsibilities.
  • Those who are impacted by homelessness.
  • So many who are dealing with Alzheimers and how best to care for family members. Praying for strength!

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • Families able to move into their home after Helene.
  • The birth of a third granddaughter!
  • A clear CT scan!
  • The birth of a grandson
  • Cancer treatments that are working!

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?

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Lent Devotional – Spiritual Fasting for Lent

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Monday, March 24

By: David Lineberger

Yet even now, declares the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments. Joel 2:12-13

Strictly speaking, fasting refers to abstaining from food for a period of time, usually one day from sunrise to sunset. Christians have expanded this concept to include giving up things other than food, something that gives you pleasure and therefore something you will miss, to help you focus on God. It has been said that “anytime we share what we have, or what we have been blessed with by God, we are truly fasting.”

As a diabetic 80-year-old, my life pretty much defines giving up many things I enjoy! Strict dietary requirements exclude most all the sweeter foods I would love to eat. My physical condition and age eliminate many of the hobbies and activities I used to enjoy. As a result, however, I am free to concentrate on those spiritual things which help me focus on God and His abundant blessings. I have time to read, and this now includes reading the New Testament translated directly from the Aramaic language spoken by Jesus Christ. New insights are enjoyed almost daily. I have time to research the best use of our donations to local and national charities. I can shop for items needed by our church’s mission projects and local schools. I have time to spend with those who need a helping hand or just a listening ear. In all of these, the blessings of God are made more evident and more meaningful to me. Spiritual fasting is a tangible way to deny ourselves and to declare before God that we know it’s all about Him, and not about us. Sharing blessings is appreciating anew our blessings and recounting anew how very many we have been given by our gracious God.

Spiritual fasting is waking up each day with thanks to God for yet another day to share His love and another day to experience His blessings. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Dear God, who gives us so much, help us to intentionally focus on our blessings and make it our mission in life to share these with all who are in need. Give us the will and desire to be a blessing to those who cross our path. Amen.

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Lent Devotional – When The Song Begins

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Thursday, March 20

By: Kristen Struyk

Then Hezekiah commanded them to offer the burnt offering on the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord began also, with the trumpets and with the instruments of David king of Israel.

2 Chronicles 29:27

“It is when this surrender of our lives to God is made, and not until then, that the song begins in our hearts. . .and as the burdens grow heavier, the need for self-denial grows greater, the song becomes louder and richer in its melody.” J.R. Miller, When the Song Begins © 1905

I prefer obvious and immediate miracles. The excessive and automatic kind. But there is another kind that requires all we have to give. Lent is a good time to reflect not only on the miracle of resurrection after death but also on the miracle of life-giving surrender on this side of eternity.

My struggle with surrender started when I was 14 years old. I had ankle surgery after a sports injury and developed a disorder called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). The high intensity of the pain along with its constant chronic nature has made every moment of the last 16 years a fight for joy, and focus, and function. When I was a new high school student, I began to see prayer as submitting my thoughts in pencil–as rough drafts–to God for editing. At one point, I remember praying: “I can’t live like this.” Then, I remember this thought coming back to me marked instead with the words, “You don’t know how to live like this.” God continues to show me how, whenever I am willing to learn. This is when God’s song first began in my life.

In a similar spirit of learning, I think of the famous story of the composer Stravinsky trying to find a violinist who could play a challenging piece he had written. After rehearsal, the best violinist said he had tried but the passage was just too difficult to play. To his surprise, Stravinsky said, “I understand that. What I am after is the sound of someone trying to play it.”

When we are up against the “too difficult” – the incurable illness, the unanswered prayer, or the unacceptable loss – our whole-hearted, imperfect attempts to follow God are always met with God’s forgiving ear and God’s sustaining grasp. We can be thankful, now and always, to serve a God who is as down-to-earth as He is holy. May each of us walk worthy of our calling to love God and each other, and may we sound like someone trying to play the song God has written for us.

 

Prayer

Gracious God, when we don’t know how to move forward, we offer you our obedience and we ask for grace to trust You more. When the pressure of perfection keeps us from living wholeheartedly, remind us that you hear our hearts and redeem all our efforts. Give us the courage to give you our full attention and let Your song begin in each of our hearts today. Amen.

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Weekly Prayer – March 19, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of March 19, 2025

Written by Rev. Tim Best

Gracious God, 

We are thankful for spring, for warmer temperatures and longer days. As flowers begin to grow and trees start to show signs of summer close at hand, we are mindful of the ways we too experience seasons in our own lives. May we find your love steadfast and trustworthy in all the moments of our lives. We join our hearts together at the close of this day in prayer and thanksgiving as we prepare for rest and the newness of tomorrow. 

We give thanks for all of the teachers and students that are on spring break this week. May this week be a time for each of them to find moments of rest and enjoyment with those they love. Watch over all those who are traveling and those engaging in lots of activities with friends and family. We pray for those students who long to return to school. We pray for parents and families who find breaks such as this challenging due to schedules, finances, and other issues. May you sustain and comfort all students and those who care for them whatever “spring break” might mean. 

May those who are sick and those facing death know your presence and have assurance of your steadfast love. Be with those who are making decisions about long term care for themselves or for loved ones. When individuals and families face difficult decisions, may you illumine their path with your holy wisdom. Sustain those who suffer and provide them comfort. May those who are hungry, those who do not know how they will pay their bills, and those struggling in any manner find in you and in your people steadfast advocates. May your church always seek to care for the people you have placed in its path. 

The world is full of needs and concerns. Wars and violence, poverty and disease, wickedness and manipulation. All of these forces are active within our world and within our community. Our spirits get worn down encountering them in the news and in our lives. Help us to see where you are at work in the world. Lift also the personal burdens we carry. Because we trust that you care for us we offer these concerns of our congregation to you now: 

We pray for…

  • A good friend who has been diagnosed with very aggressive breast cancer. We pray for a successful surgery and for healing.
  • A sister who is looking for a new car after hers was totaled! She needs hand controls.
  • A woman who is looking for a new job; prayers that God will make God’s presence known on this journey.
  • A member who is grieving the sudden death of her husband; prayers for her as she continues to heal from surgery.
  • A wife grieving the death of her husband yesterday.
  • A family member who is dealing with his third DUI and awaiting court. He has been to therapy three times. Prayers for all who suffer with addiction and feel out of control.
  • Those in our church family who are navigating elder care, medicare, rehab; options for those who find themselves with lots of decisions to make. Prayers of thanksgiving for those who have answers and can walk alongside.
  • Safe travels and good rest during KCS Spring Break.
  • A young wife and her two children after the unexpected death of her husband due to a heart attack; prayers for the other young adults who are supporting them.

We continue to pray for…

  • A father who had open heart surgery last week; prayers for continued healing!
  • A young man who had a stroke and has been in rehab for several months; prayers for patience, strength, and healing.
  • A mother and sister in the unexpected death of their beloved son and brother; prayers for the whole family and for his co-workers. 
  • A father undergoing lots of tests before heart concern can be addressed.
  • Those who are lonely and miss coming to church.
  • A sister whose bladder was removed due to cancer.
  • Friends and family going through difficult times.
  • Those who are receiving chemo and/or radiation treatments.
  • Family members who are trying to balance caregiving and work and family responsibilities.
  • Those who are impacted by homelessness.
  • So many who are dealing with Alzheimers and how best to care for family members. Praying for strength!

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • For a clear CT scan!
  • For the birth of a grandson.
  • For cancer treatments that are working!

We offer all these concerns and joys in the name of Jesus Christ, 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.

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Lent Devotional – Bear One Another’s Burdens

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Monday, March 17

By: Elaine Eberhart

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

 

I cannot remember a Lent when the fragility of our world seemed so real. I scan the news for signs of hope, and on some days, I come up empty. I wish that I could stay in bed and pull the covers over my head, peeking out only to watch comforting old movies while eating Girl Scout cookies.

There is no shame in retreating. We all need to withdraw occasionally when we are facing difficult times. In those times, we have a family of faith to walk beside us and minister to us in our pain, just as we have walked with others. At a recent church meeting, I heard that caring is one of the hallmarks of Church Street, and as a newer member, I have seen that love in action beginning on the first Sunday I visited.

At any given moment this Lent, some of us will be desolate, needing someone to listen and to sing to us words of assurance to steady us. Some will be strong enough to answer God’s call to service as our church travels the Lenten journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem. And we likely will swap places over these 40 days, some retreating for rest and renewal as others are advancing in hope and love.

 

Prayer:

O Holy One, blessed be the ties that bind us to one another, ties that enable us to live with love and courage as disciples of Jesus. Amen

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Lent Devotional – Love in Action

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Thursday, March 13

By: Laura Still

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:9-13

 

I’ve never been a fan of winter, and it’s a family joke that my hands and feet turn into icicles in November and don’t thaw out till May. As I’ve gotten older the problem has gotten worse, and I can’t stay warm even with layers of clothing and cups of hot tea. The chill has settled into my bones, and this year has menaced my soul. I’ve had to limit my exposure to the news, as every day some new crisis or disaster pops up to make me feel the world is spiraling closer to the edge of the abyss, and there’s nothing I can do.

The apostle Paul would disagree with that last statement, for the time he lived in wasn’t exactly a garden party. In other parts of his letter, he speaks of the woes of the people of Israel, and his anguish over their troubles. Despite the evil times, he doesn’t instruct the believers to sit and weep. Instead, they are to be active in sharing the love of Christ, to show their hope in eternity by helping those in need and taking care of others. He even tells them to offer food and drink to their enemies if they are hungry or thirsty. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans12:21)

Paul is sure that in the end, love is the fulfillment of God’s promise, and those who continue to perform acts of love in the name of Christ are working to establish God’s kingdom on Earth. It is not easy to continue in times like these, but we don’t get to choose when we live out our time. We can only choose what we do with the time we have. Paul points out that love starts inside us and comes out to the world in service to others.

In this season of Lent, instead of giving up, perhaps we should start giving ourselves, our hands and feet, our minds and bodies, in some new way to serve God and share his love. If Paul is right, this will lead to our salvation, whatever time we live in.

 

Prayer

Dear Lord, let me find the work that you would have me accomplish, and be joyful in serving your kingdom to the end of my days. In Christ name, Amen.

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