Weekly Prayer – August 14, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of August 14, 2024

Written by Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst, we bring these prayers to you not only as a congregation, but individually as well. Humbly, we seek your acceptance and response. 

Summer’s sun now sets a bit sooner than it did several weeks ago. Still, its warmth and radiance continue to offer us occasions to experience the wonders and splendors of your natural world. Your creation’s changing seasons, in so many ways, are blessings, with each one ushering new opportunities and new perspectives. 

And speaking of changes, Lord, this has been a summer of many changes at Church Street. Thank you for the guidance from our clergy and for the added efforts and time dedicated by church staff as they help us all adapt. Thank you, too, for congregation members in roles of leadership who move us forward through their gifts of time and talents. Like the seasons, may these changes in the life of our church become blessings, with each one of these also ushering new opportunities and new perspectives. 

You granted each of us freewill. What courage that must have taken to do that, knowing there will be times we choose to turn away from you! Too many times, choices we make turn out to be failures. What never fails us, though, is your love and acceptance. Forgive us for choices and decisions that separate us from you and that disrupt the building of your kingdom. Gracious God, for your mercy, we are grateful. 

Compassionate Comforter, you surely know the pain and toils of grief, of brokenness, of health problems, of insecurity, of fear, of injustice, of disrespect, of loneliness, of negligence, of violent conflict between your people, of hatred, of prejudice, of economic uncertainties, and of the many, many other tribulations we encounter in our Earthly existence. Honestly, God, such circumstances sometimes lead us to question your presence and grace.  In moments of doubt, sustain our faith. Through prayer, through scripture, through the kindness of others, and through support by your church community, refresh our tired spirits with your everlasting love and promises of hope. 

Thank you for memories that bring smiles and joy. Thank you for anticipation of things to come that bring hopefulness. Thank you for moments such as these now that bring us in closer relationship with you. 

Merciful God, hear these needs and prayers of others in our congregation. Surround each person represented here with your loving embrace and comfort… 

We pray for …

  • A 10-year old granddaughter who is having surgery for broken arm doing what she loves – gymnastics! Prayers for medical team and all the family.
  • A member who had prayer last week; prayers for patience and she regains strength and healing.
  • A young man involved in an automobile accident.
  • A member who is consulting with pulmonologist after chest x-ray showed a spot. Prayers for clear diagnosis and a healing path forward.
  • A young couple beginning fertility procedures to start their family.
  • Those who have cancer.
  • A friend who has COVID.
  • A son and a daughter-in-law who are both looking for meaningful work.
  • Friends and family members who are going through struggles and have asked for prayers.
  • A great-aunt who is ill.
  • A friend going through a divorce.
  • A friend who is looking for a job. 
  • Families who are struggling with emotional pain as well as physical; especially those dealing with the ravages of addiction.
  • Ninety-three year old aunt who is in hospital with complications from COVID. 

We continue to pray for ….

  • Grandchildren who are hurting because of divorce of parents. May the extended family be a source of healing and comfort. 
  • Couples who are wanting to start a family. 
  • All of the men and women in the military.
  • Those who are caring for family members who have dementia.
  • Members who have cancer and are going through the ups and downs of treatments. 
  • All those whose grief is compounded by suicide; may they know the assurance that loved ones are in God’s eternal peace and love.
  • Our Staff-Parish Relations Committee as they see the right people for positions here. We are so thankful for their wisdom and good work.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • A  dear friend who after 28 years discovered another breast cancer, had a double mastectomy and the pathology report has come back that the surrounding tissue and the lymph nodes are free of cancer.  She still needs an oncologist’s decision, but it appears that she will not need chemo or radiation. Praise God! 
  • The beauty of the Olympics! It was so refreshing to see people pulling for each other and athletes from competing countries encouraging one another. Prayers that we could keep that spirit 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.

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Weekly Prayer – August 7, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of August 7, 2024

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance

We begin our prayers with O God … but you have heard us exclaim “Oh, God!” or OMG earlier today! 

“Oh, my Lord, it is so hot,” we have exclaimed as we get into our cars and roll the windows down and turn on the AC. Forgive us for cursing about the heat, O God who created sun and moon in perfect balance. Forgive us for doing things as individuals, industries, and countries, that have made our earth, your earth, hotter. Make us mindful of our responsibilities to care for your earth and the air and atmosphere all around it.  

As most of pray this prayer in air conditioning, we think of others. It is an act of repentance to turn from ourselves for a moment and to pray for others … 

We pray for those who make their living outdoors … in this heat. We pray for construction workers, landscapers, farmers, dog walkers, those fighting wildfires, groundskeepers, camp counselors, police officers on motorcycles, soldiers on maneuvers, major league baseball players, and for the lady who sits in the ticket booth at UT Hospital parking garage. We rely on some of these folks for our food and for our entertainment, some for tending to our children, and some for making our lawns look nice. Others provide safety. Gracious God, for those who work outside, we pray for their safety; we pray they have access to clean and cool water, and that they have relief at the end of their shift or day or inning. 

You have heard us pray (or exclaim), “Dear Lord! Where did the summer go?” Tomorrow is the first day of school for Knox County students. Other school systems have already started and some will be starting next week. 

“Where did the summer go, O God?” 

Why do we have such a distortion of time when you have set our planet in predictable motion? Each day is twenty -four hours. You have timed it perfectly, O God, that we have eight hours to sleep, eight hours to work and learn, eight hours to …. All the other things.   

We ask for forgiveness for taking the passing of the hours so personally and offer prayers on behalf of others. We pray for those who are anxious about school starting tomorrow. We pray for those who have had a hard summer because of lack of routine and lack of resources and food that school provides. We pray for those who have been reunited with families and friends on trips this summer and have vowed to keep in touch more intentionally. We pray for those whose days seem to go on forever with no interruption of friend or purpose. We pray for those who feel rushed through the day with no time for themselves. We pray for parents who will be filled with grief as school buses drive by. Give these – and all of us – a sense of your perfect time. 

Today is Wednesday, the middle of the week. Some are asking, where did the week go? Or even, where did the day go? We measure the speed of time by how productive we are. Or how much fun we’re having. Time flies … or time drags…  

It is so subjective. So, we pause in the early evening in the middle of the week, and offer a prayer to you. To offer ourselves humbly, we will attempt to think of others and how they have measured time today. For grandparents who know this is the ‘last day’ they will see grandchildren for a while, for teachers who are praying for students who will be entering their room tomorrow morning, for those who began the day in surgery waiting and for those who will end the day in the Emergency Department, for those who stand in front of an open refrigerator full of fruits, vegetables, and good leftovers and for those who have unplugged the refrigerator because it is empty and it is too expensive to run. 

When we turn to you and utter, Dear God, may we be humbled and also comforted that there are others all around in countless other situations who are also saying Oh my God, Dear God, Good Lord … and you graciously hear us all.   

Thank you for hearing our prayers – even when they are simply honest utterances. In vocalizing our feelings, may your holy spirit transform it into sacred conversation with you. 

We pray for those in our church family who have asked for prayers for …. 

We pray for …

  • A member who had surgery Tuesday morning; prayers for healing now that she is home.
  • All teachers and students! Prayers for a safe and productive and fulfilling year at school!
  • Administrators and principals who are juggling school needs, attendance numbers, and personnel; making sure all needs are met.
  • A young couple beginning fertility procedures to start their family.
  • A family member who is fighting for his life in the hospital; prayers for healing and peace.
  • Those who have cancer.
  • A friend who has COVID.
  • Friends and family members who are going through struggles and have asked for prayers.
  • An aunt who is ill.
  • A friend going through a divorce.
  • A couple going through divorce; prayers for peace as both are struggling.
  • A friend who is looking for a job …
  • Knox County Schools teachers
  • Friends in Texas, 100 years old, who are moving into assisted living; prayers for smooth transition.
  • An eleven-year old to be able to play sports; he wants to be on a team. Prayers that an opportunity will be provided.
  • Families who are struggling with emotional pain as well as physical. 
  • Woman who is being discharged from rehab; prayers for good help and good decisions! Prayers of thanksgiving for church friends who help.
  • Our Parish Youth Choir and their leaders this weekend while they are on retreat.
  • Ninety-three year old aunt who is in hospital with complications from COVID
  • College freshmen!

We continue to pray for ….

  • Grandchildren who are hurting because of divorce of parents. May the extended family be a source of healing and comfort. 
  • Couples who are wanting to start a family. 
  • All of the men and women in the military.
  • Those who are caring for family members who have dementia.
  • Members who have cancer and are going through the ups and downs of treatments. 
  • All those whose grief is compounded by suicide; may they know the assurance that loved ones are in God’s eternal peace and love.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • For a sister who is responding well to cancer treatments.
  • The beautiful music last Sunday! Prayers for our interim directors and guest organists.
  • For the birth of a healthy grandbaby!
  • Amazing co-workers who have pulled together.

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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Weekly Prayer – July 31, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of July 31, 2024

Written by Leah Brown, Duke Divinity School Intern

Gentle and comforting Lord, 

You are the sustainer of your people and the breath of your Church. You have led your people from the beginnings of the world, and we continue to see you leading even us today. We thank you for your steadfast direction and guidance as we navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties as members of the Body of Christ seeking to do your will. Receive our praise and hear our prayers as you usher us into deeper discipleship. 

We worship you for your incomprehensible love for humanity. Rather than abandoning us when creation was corrupted by sin, you maintained that you have called us very good and reconciled us back to yourself through the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus. Help us to receive this love as an identifying mark that reminds us of the One who goes before, behind, and beside us. Let our church community be a tangible representation of this gentle yet powerful love as your Holy Spirit flows through us and into the world. 

Lord, be a shelter of comfort and peace for those who face difficult or even hostile situations. Be a presence of hope for those who encounter pain or grief. Reconcile relationships that have been strained. Teach us to trust in the promises of the Gospel that proclaim a coming end to suffering and the return of shalom. As we wait for Christ’s return, help us to live faithfully in the already-not-yet establishment of the Kingdom as agents of the perfect peace that is to come. 

Convict us of the ways we oppose your will and hinder others from experiencing your grace and love. Let your Holy Spirit lead us in the way of your tender mercy and grace as we bear witness to the Gospel’s transformative work in our lives and in our community. As we continue to be drawn in by your faithfulness and love for us, we lift up these concerns to be held in your care: 

We pray for …

  • One who is taking bar exam; may she feel God’s peace. May she be filled with confidence in all of her preparation.
  • One who is having surgery in the morning.
  • A ninety-three year old grandmother who fell and shattered her arm. Prayers for healing as she recovers in hospital. Prayers for family as they care for her.
  • A sister who is dealing with cancer and also her son who is nearing end of his earthly  life.
  • A member who has been diagnosed with pancreatitis.
  • Grandchildren who are hurting because of divorce of parents. May the extended family be a source of healing and comfort. 
  • Teachers who are preparing classrooms (and themselves!) for new students.
  • Students who are anxious about the start of a new school year.
  • An elderly member who is near the end of her life; may she find the peace she has longed for.
  • Parents who are looking for daycare options.
  • All those whose grief is compounded by suicide; may they know the assurance that loved ones are in God’s eternal peace and love.

We continue to pray for ….

  • Couples who are wanting to start a family.
  • All of the men and women in the military.
  • Those who are caring for family members who have dementia.
  • Members who have cancer and are going through the ups and downs of treatments. 

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • For a sister who is responding well to cancer treatments.
  • The beautiful music last Sunday! Prayers for our interim directors and guest organists.

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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Weekly Prayer – July 24, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of July 24, 2024

Written by Rev. Tim Best

Caring and loving Lord,

You are our good shepherd and bring hope to us when we are lost and scared. We are grateful for the ways you have sought us out with your tender mercy this week. When we feel lost and alone, remind us of your abiding peace and steadfast presence. Hear us as we offer our prayers and praises, trusting that you will search for us in need and tend to us in our security.

After weeks of stifling heat and dry conditions, we rejoice over simple gifts such as rain and a refreshing breeze. We are reminded of the simple and beautiful ways you have made your creation. The cycle of seasons makes us think of the cycle of our lives and our community. As summer continues, may we find delight and joy in the long days, warm evenings, and all the special features of the remaining days of summer.

We rejoice for the moments of rest and renewal some of us have enjoyed this summer. We pray for those that are weary and in need of rest. Help this church family to be a safe haven for those who are wearied by the world and those who feel lost. When we care for others, may we be reminded always that it is you who has first cared for us. May this church family be a source of rest and renewal within our community.

We pray that you would seek out those who are hurting, alone, grieving, or are in any sort of trouble. Make your love and presence known to them. When suffering overwhelms us, may you sustain us by your gracious presence. Help us care for one another in our suffering, rejoice with each other in our delight, and sustain each other with our prayers.

As we come to the end of our day, may we trust in you to care for us through the night guide us into the good future you have for each of us. As we trust in your love to care for us and for our community, we offer the following concerns up to you:

We pray for …

  • The soul of friend’s grandmother.
  • A member’s nephew who has been told he has 3-6 weeks to live; prayers also for her sister, his mother, who is going through her own health struggles.
  • Those who are yearning to feel the assurance of God’s presence and goodness in the midst of so much violence in our world. 
  • A friend who is having a double mastectomy next week. Prayers for her husband who fell last week shattering his humerus. Surgery is this week. 
  • One who is taking the Bar Exam at the end of this month. Prayers that she feels God’s peace and wisdom over her. Praying that God’s will be done.
  • A mother and father in the death of their 30-year old son; a sister in the death of her brother. 
  • Our government officials. 

We continue to pray for ….

  • Daughters who are dealing with their mother’s ongoing health issues. 
  • Couples who are wanting to start a family. 
  • All of the men and women in the military. 
  • Those who are caring for family members who have dementia. 
  • A husband whose cancer is continuing to grow. 

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • For a sister who is responding well to cancer treatments.
  • Parish Health Ministry Team volunteers. 
  • Tim Ward and Edie Johnson as they approach their last Sunday. God bless them!

Having named our needs and our longing for your kingdom, may we be so bold to pray that prayer the Jesus 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.

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Weekly Prayer – July 17, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of July 17, 2024

Tonight’s prayer is taken from The Methodist Book of Daily Prayer. (General Editor, Matt Miofsky and Contributing Writer; Contributing Editor, Layce Warner; Copyright 2023 Abingdon Press) After each prompt, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the people, events, and conversations that were a gift today. -Pastor Catherine

An Evening Prayer of Gratitude

Great God, your good news always includes a call to “fear not.” I pray that I would operate less from a place of timidness and more from a place of assurance. You surround me with signs of your presence and providence over me. I recognize this evening:

· The ways you provide for me …..

 

· Opportunities that have been given to me …

 

· Moments that have turned out better than I thought …

 

· Hard situations that you brought me through ….

 

May I more and more live out of a sense of assurance in your promises to me and your presence in my life ….

Let us pray for our church family and friends who offered these petitions ….

We pray for …

  • An eighty-two year-old mother who is beginning chemotherapy ….
  • One whose father just died ….
  • One who is weary from grief and now dealing with the declining health of her mother.
  • A daughter grieving her father’s sudden death a month ago …
  • Daughters who are dealing with their mother’s ongoing health issues
  • A husband whose cancer is continuing to grow ….
  • A mother who is having surgery today for broken bones; prayers for successful healing and rehab
  • A member having hip replacement surgery today …

We continue to pray for ….

  • A husband recovering from extensive hip surgery….
  • Adult children who find themselves making decisions for parents about health and welfare.
  • A young couple who is wanting to start a family ..
  • All of the men and women in the military…
  • Those who are caring for family members who have dementia …

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • For a sister who is responding well to cancer treatments
  • For a healthy baby boy! Prayers for parents and big sister!

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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Weekly Prayer – July 10, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of July 10, 2024

Written by Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst:  Time seems to melt away as quickly as a cone of ice cream on these hot summer days. During moments of reflection such as now, help us to place priority on our pauses to pray and experience your loving presence. 

Day by day, dear God, guide us. Comfort us. Forgive us. Lift us. Teach us. Transform us. Inspire us. Enable us to be lamps for others’ paths. Empower us to be peacemakers. Day by day. 

Thank you for sustaining Church Street United Methodist as a community of grace in action. This is a dynamic church this summer. This very week, our youth are serving friends in need in Knoxville neighborhoods, where they are literally and spiritually Making a Difference through MAD in the City. Shield them from harm, and enrich lives as they carry out Kingdom work. Day by day. 

And thank you, gracious God, for the ways that members of groups in our congregation do the important work of caregiving: Stephen Ministers, the Parish Health Ministries team, the leaders of the Caregiver Support Group, our Congregational Care committee members, and our clergy. Of course, there are many other individuals, too, providing care to loved ones. Caregivers’ time and responsibilities can be tiresome, toil-filled and relentless. Yet they continually devote their days to ensuring their loved ones are safe, comfortable and content. We pray, God, that you lift and refresh caregivers’ spirits. In many ways, the rest of us, too, can be sources of practical aid, respite and support for them. Please teach us how. Day by day. 

Sacred Creator, weather conditions these days impact all of us in our part of the world. Whatever the explanation or cause of these, enlighten our mortal minds to discover ways to not only cope, but also to bring about a more idyllic balance throughout all the Earth. In the meantime, keep us mindful of your expectation that we must care for one another; so lead us on paths of help and aid for afflicted neighbors in need of assistance in times of extreme weather. Day by day. 

For our nation and for our country’s government leaders at all levels – – federal, state, county and city – – infuse guiding principles of justice, mutual respect and societal wellbeing for decisions they make. Defuse influences of self-serving interests and lust for personal power. Unite hearts to the goal to “secure the Blessings of Liberty” for all.  Day by day. 

Merciful God, also hear these needs and prayers of others in our congregation. Surround each person represented here with your loving embrace and comfort… 

We pray for …

  • A couple who is going through their first embryo transfer today. Praying for a successful procedure and for patience and hope as they wait for the outcome in a few weeks. Prayers of thanksgiving for all in the medical field who are working with so many to make the dream of having a baby come true.
  • A son-in-law who leaves for his appointment at the Bush Leadership Institute at Texas A&M on Thursday. His wife & their 3 children will stay at their home in TN for the next year. We are praying for his safe travel and for each family member as they adjust to not having their husband & father around every day.
  • A husband who will be having hip replacement. Prayers for good recovery and that he can be relieved of his pain.. Surgery will be in Nashville.
  • A son to find employment.
  • A smooth transition for a grandfather who is moving into assisted living.
  • For all young adults who find themselves struggling between college and employment.
  • A member who is recuperating at home after surgery on hand; prayers for strength as she ‘takes it easy!’
  • A mother who meets with doctor this week about surgery for a broken ankle. Praying for a good outcome and for the needed follow up care.
  • A daughter-in-law who is experiencing extreme morning sickness; prayers for a healthy pregnancy.
  • A family who is grieving the death of a very special grandfather.

We continue to pray for ….

  • A dear friend whose breast cancer has returned after being cancer free for twenty-eight years. May her faith give her peace and assurance as she makes decisions about treatments and next steps.
  • A son and his mother who have just moved to the area. Prayers for healing and relief from suffering for her. She is in hospital with bladder cancer fighting septic infection.
  • A man who wants to find meaningful work in landscaping and who wants to be free from the label of ‘disabled’ when he is in fact able to work.
  • Adult children who find themselves making decisions for parents about health and welfare.
  • A young couple who is wanting to start a family ..
  • All of the men and women in the military
  • A member who is receiving chemo
  • A nephew who is battling colon and pancreatic cancer. Prayers also for his mother who has bladder cancer.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • A son who has a new place to live.
  • Our youth who are serving this week at MAD (Making a Difference in the City)
  • Children who are learning so much at Children’s Choir Camp this week!

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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Weekly Prayer – July 3, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of July 3, 2024

Written by Rev. Andy Ferguson

Rev. Andy Ferguson shared this prayer with Open Door last Sunday. He wrote it several years ago, back when he was doing yearly short-term mission trips in other countries – what we call ‘third-world countries.’ He prefaced the prayer with this remembrance: Almost every time I went out, someone there asked me to sponsor them to immigrate to the USA. They were hard-working people; they were smart; they wanted a better life for themselves and their families — but the opportunities were so very limited. I came home each time grateful to be a citizen of this amazing nation.

How grateful we are, O Lord, for the gift of this nation, 

This nation, which is our home. 

We are grateful for its beauty and variety: 

The mountains, lakes, plains, forests and more, 

Which refresh the soul at the sight. 

May we accept their gift with responsibility for keeping the land and the forests beautiful for generations yet to come. 

We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy: 

The freedom to vote, to speak and to worship. 

Freedom to live and work wherever we want. 

The Freedom to take part in public life. 

May we accept the gift of freedom with responsibility, 

Watching with love over the communities we build every day, 

And mindful about our impact on others. 

We are grateful for the opportunity we enjoy as citizens of this nation. 

The opportunity of productive work by which we care for ourselves and our families. 

The opportunity of education by which we grow in knowledge and prepare for citizenship and work. 

Let the door to opportunity stand open for all the people of this nation. 

We receive your gift of this nation with keen awareness that every blessing is a gift to be enjoyed and nurtured and shared. 

We receive your gift of this nation, amazed and grateful that it is our home. 

We pray for …

  • A dear friend whose breast cancer has returned after being cancer free for twenty-eight years. May her faith give her peace and assurance as she makes decisions about treatments and next steps.
  • A son and his mother who have just moved to the area. Prayers for healing and relief from suffering for her. She is in hospital with bladder cancer fighting septic infection.
  • A man who wants to find meaningful work in landscaping and who wants to be free from the label of ‘disabled’ when he is in fact able to work.
  • Our country … especially on this holiday time of celebrating Independence Day. May we not take our freedoms for granted. Help us be citizens who care for this land and for one another.
  • Those who are grieving.
  • A man who asks for Jesus to reveal to him his strength and peace.
  • A member who is having complications after sinus surgery; following up with vein doctor this week to deal with a blood clot in leg. Prayers for healing.
  • A family looking forward to the birth of their second child. 
  • A husband who will be having hip replacement; this will be the third time for his right hip. Prayers for good recovery and that he can be relieved of his pain.. Surgery will in Nashville.

We continue to pray for ….

  • A mother who is now in rehab; prayers for strength and healing
  • Adult children who find themselves making decisions for parents about health and welfare.
  • A young couple who is wanting to start a family ..
  • A friend with leukemia
  • One is being deployed to Qatar; prayers for safety
  • All of the men and women in the military
  • Praying for one who has been serving in Red Sea and will be heading back soon
  • A member who is receiving chemo
  • A couple going through a divorce; very difficult on both.
  • A nephew who is battling colon and pancreatic cancer. Prayers also for his mother who has bladder cancer.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • A couple who was married this weekend! 
  • A niece who gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
  • Visitors who worship with us each week.

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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Weekly Prayer – June 26, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of June 26, 2024

Written by Rev. Tim Best

 

Gracious Lord,

Break open our hearts. Our hearts break open with both joy and pain. When we burst with joy we share the happiness and the wholeness that we experience from your abundant mercies. In our suffering, our hearts break open with weeping and pain, revealing our need for you and our longing to be made whole. With grace and love, break us open that we might know more fully your love.

We pray for those whose hearts are breaking with pain and loss. We pray for those who have lost loved ones this week. For those covered in grief and sadness, lift some of the weight from their hearts. Remind them of your presence, your faithfulness, and your promise of resurrection.

For those who have battled illness and other forms of suffering this week, we pray for recovery and renewal. May they know love and mercy from those who give them care. May those who are caregivers and helpers know a strength and courage found in you alone. We praise you for the gifts of modern medicine, and the abilities of doctors and nurses. Be a constant help to them that they may be help to others.

We give thanks for all the mercies of this week. For those who rejoice in the joys of seeing a favorite team win, for those who have been recently married, and for those children learning and playing at VBS, we are thankful for their joy. Help us to always be thankful for even the smallest mercies and joys in our lives.

Open us continually to the direction of your Holy Spirit. Break us open that we might be continually made new in your grace. Help us all to know and name those ways of service and worship to which you call each of us. It is in trust of your gratuitous grace that we offer all those concerns that fill our hearts.

Break open our hearts now as we share those joys and concerns of this, our Church Street family…

We pray for …

  • A member’s mother who is in ICU. Thankful she is off of the respirator. Prayers for strength.
  • Friends and family members who are going through hard times; praying for people we love.
  • A family who is embarking on a journey. May they experience joy, love, safety, and healing. May God touch each of their precious hearts and minds.
  • A long-time friend who has just been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia; beginning treatments. Prayers for full remission.
  • One who is traveling for several weeks; may she be comforted by precious memories as she deals with grieving.
  • Those who are traveling to see family, celebrate memories, and scatter ashes.
  • One is being deployed to Qatar; prayers for safety.
  • All of the men and women in the military.
  • Praying for one who has been serving in the Red Sea and will be heading back soon.
  • A member who is grieving the death of her brother and dealing with the declining health of their mother.
  • One who is moving to California to be closer to children; may all go smoothly and may he feel at home.
  • A member who is receiving chemo.
  • A member who is grieving the death of his brother but gives thanks for Eternal Light and Health.
  • All of the children at Vacation Bible School.
  • A co-worker who is very ill with infection and has had two surgeries this week.
  • A friend who fell off a ladder and has multiple injuries.
  • A couple going through a divorce; very difficult on both.
  • A nephew who is battling colon and pancreatic cancer and is now in hospital after a fall. Prayers for his mother who also has cancer (bladder cancer) and just had a heart stent put in.

We continue to pray for …

  • Adult children who find themselves making decisions for parents about health and welfare.
  • Young adults struggling to find work and places to live; the world seems to be against them!
  • A young couple who is wanting to start a family…

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • A Sunday School class who has been so supportive.
  • A friend whose esophageal cancer surgery was a success. Thankful for soft foods!
  • Coach V and the Vols! It is so good for Knoxville to have something we can all celebrate TOGETHER!

Break open the heart of our church that we might be signpost of your coming kingdom, for which we 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.

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Weekly Prayer – June 19, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of June 19, 2024

Written by Leah Brown, Duke Divinity School Summer Intern

Merciful God, You are the source of all things good and lovely in this world. You make Your presence known even in small joys like nature, laughter, community, and art. Teach us to recognize You in both the grand and the mundane and let it be evidence of the hope we have in Your mercy and love.

Lord, in a world where injustice and suffering is so common, let us be active participants in the coming of Your Kingdom here on earth. Let us be agents of change where change is needed and agents of grace where grace is needed. Guide us to live in this world according to the final restoration that is to come, as reflections of both Your justice and mercy. Bring Your peace and reconciliation to the brokenness of the world, and when our lived reality of suffering seems to compete with the reality of Your Word, remind us of Your almighty power against which evil cannot stand.

Lord, in Your mercy… hear our prayer.

We pray for Your holy Church. Across all homes, buildings, traditions, and denominations, bring us into communion with one another in acknowledgement of our oneness in Christ. Let our diversity enrich the Church’s work in the world, and let our discipleship be molded to reflect Christ Jesus. Let the Church’s witness to the world be one of grace, humility, and peace, offering an alternative to the brash division found in our world’s ruler, nations, and people.

Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.

Loving God, restore strained relationships between friends, family members, and communities. Bring an end to violence and resentment, and soften our hearts to see Your holy Image in every new and familiar face we encounter and even in nameless or faceless persons we only hear about in news or media. Give us the humility to love like You love and be peacemakers in the midst of conflict.

Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.

We pray for ….

  • A woman who is distraught over recent incidents involving police and relationships; may there be restoration.
  • Friends, a husband and wife, who are both having health concerns.
  • A family who is traveling to Alaska together; prayers for safety and prayers of thanksgiving for family!
  • A friend who is recovering from esophageal surgery after cancer treatments; thankful that he is able to swallow! 
  • Adult children who find themselves making decisions for parents about health and welfare.
  • A sister whose cancer has returned.
  • A colleague who was diagnosed with cancer in several parts of his body.
  • A mother who is dealing with health issues; thankful for support from church family.
  • Peace in the world.
  • People who must be outside in the heat … those who work outside, houseless neighbors, and others.
  • Young adults struggling to find work and places to live; the world seems to be against them!
  • A young couple getting married this weekend.
  • A longtime church member who died this morning. May her children and grandchildren be comforted by the assurance of Eternal Light and Love.
  • One who had surgery this morning; prayers that the pathology report shows no cancer.
  • A friend’s daughter who is trying to expand her family after several miscarriages.

We continue to pray for …

  • One who has been in hospital and is recuperating at home.
  • A relative who needs a kidney transplant.
  • Friends and family who are having struggles.
  • A friend who is indigent but has found friendship and hope.
  • A couple who is waiting to hear about IVF procedures and results.
  • Family members who continue to deal with cancer … all the tests and new treatments and waiting and follow up appointments. May they feel God’s healing presence in the midst of it!

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • The birth of a healthy baby girl!
  • Good news from last medical check up.

Comfort the lonely and the lost. Console those who mourn and grieve. Strengthen our faith and give us hope in Your triumphant love as we join together and boldly pray the prayer that 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.

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Weekly Prayer – June 12, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of June 12, 2024

Written by Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst: Open our minds to your presence as you hear our prayers. 

Thank you for moments such as now to ponder your grace, mercy and blessings that refresh our spirits and emotions; to pray for others and for your help with one another’s needs; and to seek your guidance for decisions and uncertainties. 

Giver of life, each of our hearts beats in rhythm to our own body’s needs.  For our spiritual hearts, attune them to beat in rhythm with the needs of the body of Christ. For times when our hearts are restless, calm them as Jesus pacified the restless sea. When they feel broken, bind them together again with your grace and compassion often found through our relationships with others. When our hearts seem as if they’re not beating at all, rejuvenate them with your transforming energy.  

Your holy scripture instructs us repeatedly about neighborliness and love, especially for people and groups that we tend to push to the backgrounds and margins. For these neighbors, Lord, move us – – 

from blinding apathy to recognition;  

from recognition to acceptance;  

from acceptance to respect;  

from respect to inclusion;  

from inclusion to affirmation;  

from affirmation to partnership;  

and from partnership, to the fullness of love you want us to have for one another. 

 Through your church, you connect us to a community of people bound by mutual love and who strive to live as your disciples. For Church Street, we are especially grateful for Pastors Catherine and Tim. We rejoice in knowing both have been re-appointed by Bishop Wallace-Padgett to continue their callings in ministry to us. Thank you for Brad and Christina, too, whose support, commitment, gifts and service have nourished your church. 

Creative God, you’ve given us many blessings through music at Church Street. Thank you for the talents shared by Tim Ward, Edie Johnson and others who lead our choirs, as well as all of the musicians who sing and play instruments. Thank you for the safe return of the Youth Choir following their trip last week to Boston, where voices of Church Street extended to others the splendors of the sounds of your kingdom. 

In our church community, there are many other needs and prayers, including these listed here. Surround each of these persons with your loving embrace and comfort… 

We pray for …

  • A member whose mother is in the hospital
  • One who is still recuperating from trauma of car accident
  • A member who is dealing with MS; awaiting results from tests
  • A couple who anxiously awaits birth of child
  • For an indigent friend, with no family support,  in another state with serious health issues, dependent on frequent trips to ER for medical care. 
  • One of our neighbors whose car was totaled after an accident; prayers of thanksgiving that no one was hurt
  • One who has been in hospital and is recuperating at home.
  • For a couple getting married this weekend
  • For one whose father died; funeral was yesterday
  • A relative who needs a kidney transplant

We continue to pray for ….

  • One who will be having surgery soon to remove tumor in soft palate
  • One who is looking for housing
  • A young woman dealing with mental health issues
  • Individuals and family members navigating the dementia diagnosis
  • A mother-in-law who just entered hospice care at home
  • Friends and family who are having struggles
  • A couple who is waiting to hear about IVF procedures and results.
  • Family members who continue to deal with cancer … all the tests and new treatments and waiting and follow up appointments. May they feel God’s healing presence in the midst of it!
  • Friends and family members who are going through a troubling time.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • For those who attended Holston Annual Conference as local church and district lay members.
  • For our bishop and our superintendent
  • Beautiful weather these last few days!
  • That my cousin is coming for a visit

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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