Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of June 4, 2025
Rev. Andy Ferguson
*This prayer was offered last Sunday, June 1, at the 8:30 service by Rev. Andy Ferguson. The theme was taken from the scripture that describes Paul and Silas singing at midnight while in jail.
Lord God Almighty, Savior, Sovereign, Keeper
We stood just now as your people to…
“Sing the Almighty Power of God that made the mountains rise.”
We felt a swell of pride as we sang together:
“The moon shines full at God’s command and all the stars obey.”
But, Lord, when we go outside again after the final words are spoken,
When we wake on Monday,
Whenever we attend to the business of living in the rest of the world,
In all the places that are NOT church,
Where is your command and your powerful voice then?
The politicians and pundits fill the air with their proclamations,
Drowning out your still, small voice.
The weather intensifies, threatening more destruction than we can repair,
Before the next storm season comes around.
Wars rage across our world even as our world grows smaller by the day,
And the best efforts of those who work for peace are pushed aside
– or laughed aside.
Good and bad, right and wrong bounce around us like ping pong balls,
Merely toys in the hands of others.
In this day of a thousand voices and a thousand more destructive events,
Drowning out the sweet words of our Sunday hymn,
Where is your voice, O God?
In this day? In this time in history?
We listen, but it is hard to discern through the clamor.
With the Prophet Isaiah, we pray with lifted hands:
O that thou wouldst tear open the heavens and come down,
So that the Mountains would quake at your presence –
To make your name known to your adversaries.
So that the nations might tremble at your presence!*
Rise up, O God! Speak out again…
So that an hour in your presence on this Sunday morning,
Will be the anchor that holds the world steady,
Speak out again…
Proclaim the Word that calls all peoples to raise their heads in expectation and hope.
Speak out…
That your promise of peace to all the people will be fulfilled in our seeing.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
Who spoke and the storm and the sea became calm,
Who spoke and the demons were driven out of the wounded,
Who spoke and the lepers danced like excited teenagers.
Because of Jesus, we pray today. Amen
*Isaiah 64.1ff
We pray for…
- A member in the unexpected death of her mother; just two weeks after another family death; prayers for the family; especially young granddaughter.
- Those affected by the tragedy in Gatlinburg; especially those who are from out of town and who are now in hospitals. Prayers for all involved. Lord, have mercy!
- Those who are in the hospital awaiting procedures, test results, and answers; prayers for healing of body, mind, and spirit!
- A wife (and primary caregiver) who is recovering from shoulder surgery.
- One who feels so much anger towards God.
- For a couple going through divorce; torn apart by anger.
- For two daughters as they make decisions about care for their mom; prayers for son-in-law as well who helps with this.
- For a friend whose wife is going through stage 4 cancer and is receiving treatments.
- For a friend whose family is dealing with the aftermath of a suicide attempt; Lord, have mercy.
- One who is grieving the death of a brother.
We continue to pray for…
- Members in the death of their sister and aunt.
- One who has been recently diagnosed with cancer.
- Those who are concerned about friends having surgery; prayers for healing.
- A member whose best friend has been diagnosed with cancer; prayers as treatments begin.
- Those who are living with the reality of mental illness of family members. Prayers for peace and strength in all of the ups and downs with medications and circumstances.
- Those who have experienced the death of family and friends from the tornadoes and storms in Kentucky, Missouri, and other places. Prayers for peace amidst so much devastation and grief.
- Those who are struggling with the healthcare system; especially the problems with rehab.
- Our Parish Youth Choir as they return to lead worship this Sunday at CSUMC.
- A member who is facing breast surgery soon for cancer; double mastectomy.
We give thanks for….
- Members and friends who are in hospitals; prayers for doctors, nurses, therapists, and case managers who work together for good plans moving forward.
- Those navigating all the decisions when dealing with chronic illness of parents; especially Alzheimer’s.