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.

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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.

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Weekly Prayer – March 12, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of March 12, 2025

Written by Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst: We live in your world that you created and are still creating; who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh to reconcile and make new; and who works in us and others by your Holy Spirit.

You call us to be the church to celebrate your presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death, you are with us. You do not leave us alone.

Thank you, Lord, for never letting go of us. Thank you for consoling dejected states of mind. Thank you for shining light amid life’s dark spaces.

As this winter melts into spring, we anticipate blessings of the approaching season: Flowers, dogwood blossoms, extended daylight, warmer weather, outdoor events, emerging leaves on awakening trees, and more opportunities of comfortable times to be outside (just to name a few). Starting at the end of this week, many families with school-aged children will experience their spring break. We pray their times together are meaningful, joyful and renewing.

Lord, as you surely must know, it’s challenging for us these days to escape the anxieties of our socio-political climate. So many voices, so many messages, so many confusing contradictions. When we think about such things though, we’re reminded of a truth about Jesus during his brief earthly life: Jesus also lived (and was ultimately crucified!) in a world of socio-political conflict and unrest. Through him you reinforced to us, God, that yours is the one true voice that gives us deliverance, hope and peace. And that your message, “Love one another,” is the one true message that also gives us deliverance, hope and peace. Help us stay attuned to your voice and message as we live our daily lives with compassion for one another, service to one another, prayers for one another.

These weekly prayers of the church affirm the reality that peoples’ needs for your grace are many and serious. We earnestly pray that you embrace each person with your comfort and strength and assurance that you are not one who breaks things, rather you are the living God of love that builds, heals, restores, resurrects, creates and re-creates.

We pray for…

  • A father who had open heart surgery this week; prayers for healing!
  • A friend whose job ended due to federal cuts; highly qualified and has a young family. 
  • A young man who had a stroke and has been in rehab for several months; prayers for patience, strength, and healing.
  • A husband who is having skin cancer removed; prayers that all cancer cells are taken.
  • A friend’s good health after battling respiratory infection for three weeks.
  • A member who is in hospital with pneumonia.
  • A member who is dealing with heart concerns.
  • A nephew grieving the death of his uncle.
  • A mother and sister in the unexpected death of their beloved son and brother; prayers for the whole family as they gather for funeral this week.
  • A sister who is in the hospital; prayers that doctors can determine cause of infection and choose best treatment option.
  • A daughter who is having surgery.
  • A father undergoing lots of tests before heart concern can be addressed.
  • A father who has just been diagnosed with cancer; prayers for his son and family as they offer support.
  • Those who are lonely and miss coming to church.
  • A young adult who is seeking God’s path after job was ended.
  • A sister who is undergoing surgery to have bladder removed due to cancer.

We continue to pray for…

  • Family members who are grieving
  • Knox County Schools students, faculty, and staff
  • Friends and family going through difficult times
  • Those who are receiving chemo and/or radiation treatments.
  • 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…

  • The birth of a grandson
  • Cancer treatments that are working!
  • The wonderful community services downtown; so good to see our neighbors and friends.

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 – February 26, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of February 26, 2025

Written by Rev. Tim Best

Loving and Merciful God,  

We arrive at the end of another day, and we pray. We pray together because we know that you call us to community and relationship with you and with one another. We pray for friends and strangers alike. We give thanks and we pray for intercession.  

Open our hearts and help us see the blessings we have experienced today. It is often easier to name what we need than it is to celebrate what we have already received. Transform our hearts to be able to name and identify where you are at work every day. We can be thankful for simple things such as the weather or the faithfulness of friends. We can be thankful for the good and meaningful work you call us to do in the world.  

We give thanks for the ministries Church Street has been able to offer in the last week. Even as the weather begins to warm again, and the sun is out, only a week ago roads were covered in snow and temperatures were frigid. We are thankful for the compassion and empathy of this congregation to act when there was a need. Our hearts burst with praise for the ways our children led in worship on Sunday. Make us always mindful and aware of the needs of those amongst and and ever ready to include people of all ages in knowing and sharing the Good News.  

With hearts that seek to trust you in all things, we pray for the needs we see around us, both near and far. We pray for a world desperate for your peace. We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine, for their leaders, and for the hope of peace and justice. We pray for all the victims of this war and for all leaders who would seek to speak and lead in this moment. May all leaders be motivated by a commitment to peace and the wellbeing of the Ukrainian people. We continue to lift up the fragile peace in Gaza. May your Holy Spirit be at work in all places of violence that the world may come to know your reign of justice and peace.  

We lift up the needs of our communities. We pray for our schools and for the teachers and students that fill them. May each student have a safe and excellent place to learn. May teachers be filled with joy and energy to work with our children, and may we be reliable partners and advocates for our schools. We especially lift up the schools near 900 Henley. We pray for L&N Stem Academy, South Knoxville Elementary, Green Magnet, Dogwood Elementary, South Doyle High School, Sequoyah Elementary, Vine Magnet, Austin East, West, and so many others. We know that these are the places our young people spend so much of their time. May they know your love and grace in those places as they learn.  

As we prepare to rest this night and to face another day tomorrow, see the concerns of our hearts. Fill us with compassion for others and honesty towards ourselves that we might pursue you in all things. May we trust that as we share our concerns and our celebrations with you that you see our needs and you care for us. It is in the promise that you do hear your people praying that we share these prayers and petitions of our Church family:  

We pray for…

  • A son who grieves the death of his mother
  • A member who is in hospital with pneumonia
  • A member who is dealing with heart concerns.
  • A nephew grieving the death of his uncle.
  • A wife who is grieving the sudden death of her husband; prayers for their two children as they make decisions about caring for her.
  • A sister who is in the hospital; prayers that doctors can determine cause of infection and choose best treatment option.
  • A father who has just been diagnosed with cancer; prayers for his son and family as they offer support.

We continue to pray for…

  • Family members who are grieving
  • Knox County Schools students, faculty, and staff
  • Friends and family going through difficult times
  • Those who are receiving chemo and/or radiation treatments.
  • John Redmond, our missionary in Willow, Alaska.
  • Those who are impacted by homelessness.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • The birth of a grandson
  • Our new organist! Prayers for her and her husband as they make Knoxville their home.
  • The children who worked so hard for last Sunday’s service; prayers for their leaders and teachers and music directors.
  • The volunteers and contributions that transformed our Parish Hall into a warming center for two night last week.

With thankful hearts that you hear our prayers we join together to pray the words 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 – February 12, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of February 12, 2025

Written by Steve Richardson

Spirit of God, descend upon our hearts as we turn our thoughts to you. Thank you for moments such as these. Thank you for the abundance of your blessings. Thank you for your constant presence in the very core of our being.

Spirit of God, please help us. There is so much to pray for. With faith and hope in your gracious goodness, we pray for our world, our nation, our leaders, our family members, our neighbors, our health, our relationships, our work places, our schools, our aspirations, and your church. Grant us your grace, your guidance, your wisdom, your healing touch, your strength, your creativity and your peace. 

Spirit of God, please help us. Inspire us to be kinder, more loving and more charitable, especially to people short-changed by life’s necessities of nourishment, safe shelter, medical services and loving, supportive relationships. Help us to be Kingdom people, God. Instill in us the impetus to continue what you have always asked of us: Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you.

Spirit of God, please help us. The minds and emotions of children, teens and young adults are being shaped by older peoples’ decisions and examples. Guide every generation’s perceptions to discern the differences between truth and deceptiveness, between integrity and infidelity, between mutual respect and intentional indifference. Help all of us, young and old, embody the love and compassion demonstrated by Jesus.

Spirit of God, please help us. Help us to think of each new day as a blessing. And to think of each blessing as the beginning of a new day. Also help us to realize that to love one another is to act in your name. And to act in your name is to love one another.

Spirit of God, please help us. Shed your sacred light on us. Connect us as your people. So that together, we collectively shine your light evermore brightly across this dark and frenzied world.

Spirit of God, please help us. Help all who ask each of us in your church community to pray with them for these things…

We pray for…

  • The mother of a member who is under hospice care and in much pain and stress. May she know the Eternal Peace of God soon; prayers for her son and husband and who are coating for her.
  • All of those who have the flu! May they be well soon and may we all be careful and healthy!
  • Any who have suffered physical violence.
  • One whose arm is broken up to his shoulder and is having to keep arm/shoulder immobilized. Prayers for patience and healing.
  • Family members and friends going through difficult times.
  • A husband who is in hospital with pneumonia; his Alzheimer’s adds stress to the situation. Prayers for peace and healing.

We continue to pray for…

  • Those in our church family who are undergoing radiation treatments; keep them strong during such a fatiguing process;
  • Those in our church family who are caring for those with cancer; the waiting between treatment cycles and tests to show if/how the treatment is working…. Prayers for patience and strength while waiting;
  • Family members who are grieving
  • Knox County Schools students, faculty, and staff
  • Friends and family going through difficult times
  • Child who is recovering after being in a car wreck that took his mother’s life. Prayers for the whole family.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • The doctors and surgical team who have completed surgeries for newborn grandson
  • Our new preschool; the staff and children. 
  • The Organist & Music Assistant Search Committee and the good work they have done. Prayers for our new organist and family as she prepares to move to Knoxville.

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 – February 5, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of February 5, 2025

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance

Gracious God,
We need your steadfast presence and a sense of your calm more than ever it seems!
Breaking news every few minutes about changes in how government is being handled is unnerving.
Heartache amidst the Potomac crash, the Antioch school shooting, and mass shooting in Sweden weigh our spirits down.
People are saying they are angry or confused or frightened!
We need this moment on Wednesday evening to pause, O God.
As we read this prayer together, let us realize that we are together in you.
Your love is what binds us together and it is in your love that we find peace and comfort.
When we feel frantic, may we feel your calm.
When we feel anger, may we seek your righteousness.
When we feel afraid, may we find refuge in you.
Help us to focus on what is near; what is close to us.
There are people in our church family who are praying for one another.  God is near.
There are people who care about their neighbors. God is near.
There are librarians who welcome the homeless during the day. God is near.
There is a school principal who is taking time enouraging teachers who feel overwhelmed. God is near.
There are acts of kindness that we have done today and acts of kindness that we have received today. God is near.
Sometimes, O God, we just need to remember that you are not far away.
You do hear our prayers.
You do care about the orphan, the widow, and the stranger in our midst.
You do care.
In a world that seems to have forgotten to care for one another, it has been good to pause and to remember that you are the One who breathed Life into us. And you do care.
Having felt your love and care, O God, may we have the strength to face tomorrow with a loving and caring spirit to those we encounter.
Thank you for the gift of our church family who joins us in prayer! It means so much to know we are here for each other and that we pray for one another.
Receive these prayers that have been offered ….

We offer prayers for….

  • Two daughters who are in the process of moving their mother to a new home. 
  • A preschool teacher who has had a child’s mother opt to leave the program for fear of ICE coming to the school; prayers for this child who is missing her teacher and friends. 
  • Parents of adult children who ask for help in navigating hard conversations.
  • Those in our church family who are undergoing radiation treatments; keep them strong during such a fatiguing process;
  • Those in our church family who are caring for those with cancer; the waiting between treatment cycles and tests to show if/how the treatment is working…. Prayers for patience and strength while waiting.
  • A wife as she prepares for funeral of her husband this week.
  • Those who have been affected by violence in their homes.
  • A member who is caught in the middle of federal government changes; uncertain of job security….Prayers for all of the stress it is causing among colleagues.
  • A nephew who was in a special education program funded by federal grants; the anxiety that has been caused due to threats of cuts or freezing funds.
  • An eleven-year old who has just been diagnosed with leukemia; has already started chemotherapy and a four-week hospital stay at Children’s Hospital.
  • A friend diagnosed with stage 3 kidney cancer; prayers she will not be fearful.
  • Knox County Schools students, faculty, and staff.
  • Friends and family going through difficult times.
  • Those dealing with medical records pertaining to health and insurance will do so with confidentiality and honor the privacy of patients.

We continue to pray for…

  • A father and two little boys whose wife/mother was killed in collision; prayers for cousin as he prays and cares for extended family;
  • Immigrants in our city – even those who have documentation – who feel so fearful and feel targeted.
  • Those who are starting new jobs. 
  • Young adults who are struggling with anxiety and other mental health issues. They are under so much pressure! Lord, let them know you care!
  • A father who is undergoing tests to discern next steps for heart health.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • Rev. Rick Isbell and those leading confirmation retreat this weekend; the seven sixth-graders and their parents who are attending; may it be a time of deep commitment.
  • The birth of a great-nephew.
  • Successful surgery for brother.
  • The doctors and surgical team who have completed surgeries for newborn grandson.

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 – January 29, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of January 29, 2025

Written by Rev. Tim Best

Gracious and loving God,

In the midst of the busyness and strain of the day, we stop to pray. We trust that as we have offered quick prayers throughout the day that you have heard and known our hearts. Even the inner thoughts we have wrestled with today are known to you. May we be comforted that you know all that has weighed upon us today. You are aware of what has troubled our minds and burdened our hearts. Speak your peace into our lives and grant us stillness in this quiet moment.

As the day closes, we offer our prayers for those dear to each of us. We pray for families and friends. Where we are aware of the needs of those we love, may we see where your grace and mercy are at work to care for and nurture those in need. We acknowledge before you that we often do not see the needs, the suffering, the pain, of those closest to us. Yet, your love and grace overcome every barrier and you see the inner workings of every heart. May your mercy pour out upon all those in our lives and in our communities that we lift up to your care.

But may your mercy flow even further. May your mercy be so great in abundance and so overwhelming in it’s power that we would see it wash over our world like a great wave. Moved by your mercy we pray for our enemies. We pray for those that we disagree with, we pray for those who hate us, we pray for those who would harm us and those we love. In light of messages of hate spread through our neighborhoods and around our region, we pray for those motivated by hate. May those who speak hatred and fear be transformed by your love. We pray that we would each day be renewed by your love, and so better love all those around us.

We pray for our nation and for those in leadership. We pray that all who lead would be guided by your mercy. We pray for local leaders trying to serve and improve our communities. We pray for state officials charged with the direction of so many programs vital to the thriving of our state. We pray for congress and the president, that they may humbly seek to lead all peoples for the benefit of the whole nation.

We pray for those who suffer and those facing uncertainty. Comfort and care for those who are alone, those who are ill, and those in any sort of trouble. Give strength to caregivers and those who support. Make us to be a community that welcomes the lonely, feeds the hungry, and comforts the hurting. Mark us with your mercy and peace. Breathe your Holy Spirit into us this night as we prepare to rest. May we rise tomorrow ready to face any challenge and to name and celebrate every joy. May we find each day signs of your grace, and enable us to always sing your praises.

We pray for….

  • A member in the death of her husband last night; prayers for peace
  • A friend with blood clots
  • Friends and family who are non-believers
  • Institutes of higher ed who are going through reorganization
  • Immigrants in our city who are feeling threatened
  • Those who are receiving cancer treatments
  • A husband who has pneumonia and his wife who is caring for him – and trying to stay well!
  • Members and friends who are going through radiation, chemotherapy, and waiting ….
  • A cousin’s family; daughter was killed in collision leaving two children, ages 6 & 9; one in critical condition. 

Lord, in your mercy … hear our prayers

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • A great weekend at REZ with the youth and all the youth of Holston Conference
  • A successful heart procedure for a friend
  • The birth of a new baby! Thankful for the love and support of family!
  • Mother and child who were baptized Sunday.

We continue to pray for…..

  • A mother in hospice care and son and spouse who are caring for her
  • An aunt who is going through a very painful divorce; also prayers for her children.
  • A dear friend who was a victim of the attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve. Prayers for friends who witnessed it. Prayers for all who are dealing with tragic loss from this horrific event.
  • All those affected by fires in LosAngeles
  • A daughter who is traveling to study abroad this semester.
  • A member who asks for prayers for relief from pain so her body can begin to heal
  • A friend who has been indigent – but inspiring – who has serious heart disease. Prayers that the doctors who are caring for him will help find the right drug combinations

We offer these prayers alongside the petitions and praises of your people from every nation as we join our hearts in praying the prayer that Christ are one and only Lord 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.

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Weekly Prayer – January 22, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of January 22, 2025

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance*

*This is a slightly different version of the prayer used Sunday morning, January 19, 2025. Rev. Nance adapted it from a prayer by Rev. Teri McDowell, Presbyterian Outlook, 1/15/2025 and from one in our United Methodist Book of Worship.  

Gracious God, your grace is lavish and abundant. We bask in the outpouring of your love for us – just like the wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee that we read about last Sunday. You offer grace and love more than enough! We thank you for the gift of prayer. As we pause to pray together, we give thanks for others in our church family who are praying with us as we read this prayer. 

We continue to pray for our country and our leaders. We pray for President Trump and Vice-President Vance. As in the oath they have taken, guide our political leaders to “preserve, protect and defend” in ways pleasing to you, O God. Endow them with the wisdom of humility, to foster healthy collaboration and across-the-aisle problem solving. Guide them in executing the duties of their office faithfully and solemnly, for the good of the whole, not the favor of the few. We pray for their families as they begin this journey. 

Give to the people of our country zeal for justice and strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will. Forgive our shortcomings as a nation; purify our hearts to see and love the truth. We pray for local communities, for county and city leaders, and for all the agencies and institutions who represent our best intentions. Guide us all in kingdom living. 

We think of those who are near and dear to us. You have created us to be in community and relationships. We always pray for the world, but you know there are those whose names and faces tug on our hearts more tenderly. It is humbling to us that your heart holds us all. We pray for those who are struggling with health, with job issues, with finding purpose; those who are doing their best to help others and perhaps have neglected themselves. May those we love feel the presence of our prayers and know they are not alone. 

We pray all these things through 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.

We pray for….

  • An infant grandson who had surgery on his skull Monday
  • A member who is transitioning to a new job; prayers for the patients she leaves behind and prayers for a strong start as she begins new work.
  • A daughter who is traveling to study abroad this semester.
  • A member who asks for prayers for relief from pain so her body can begin to heal
  • A friend who has been indigent – but inspiring – who has serious heart disease. Prayers that the doctors who are caring for him will help find the right drug combinations
  • Our country
  • A young family with lots of changes going on – mostly good – but brings stress!
  • A man who works in our building; is afraid to go out because of fear of being deported
  • Our youth who will be at Resurrection this weekend; for Pastor Tim and all of the leaders and interns.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • A sister’s biopsy results that showed a benign tumor
  • A spouse who supports in so many ways!
  • An uncle’s successful move to assisted living
  • Church members who share their gifts of creativity

We continue to pray for…..

  • Those who have been hospitalized and are healing at home or rehab
  • A mom who has been in ICU; now able to sit up and converse; praying for the right rehab facility
  • An aunt who is going through a very painful divorce; also prayers for her children.
  • A dear friend who was a victim of the attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve. Prayers for friends who witnessed it. Prayers for all who are dealing with tragic loss from this horrific event.
  • All those affected by fires in LosAngeles

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

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Weekly Prayer – January 15, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of January 15, 2025

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance*

*Today, Church Street United Methodist Church was honored to host the MLK Interfaith Prayer Service. It was so inspiring to hear from a variety of community religious leaders speak of Dr. King’s inspiration. For tonight’s prayer, we offer a few excerpts from prayers that Rev. Dr. King prayed during his life …. 

Eternal God, out of whose mind this great cosmic universe, we bless you. Help us to seek that which is high, noble and good. Help us in the moment of difficult decision. Help us to work with renewed vigor for a warless world, a better distribution of wealth, and a brother/sisterhood that transcends race or color.

***

God, give us strength of body to keep walking for freedom. God, give us strength to remain nonviolent, even though we may face death.

***

God, grant that we wage the struggle with dignity and discipline. May all who suffer oppression in this world reject the self-defeating method of retaliatory violence and choose the method that seeks to redeem.

***

God, remove all bitterness from my heart and give me the strength and courage to face any disaster that comes my way.

***

God, we thank you for the inspiration of Jesus. Grant that we will love you with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and love our neighbors as we love ourselves, even our enemy neighbors. And we ask you, God, in these days of emotional tension, when the problems of the world are gigantic in extent and chaotic in detail, to be with us in our going out and our coming in, in our rising up and in our lying down, in our moments of joy and in our moments of sorrow, until the day when there shall be no sunset and no dawn.

***

We thank you for your church, founded upon your Word, that challenges us to do more than sing and pray, but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon you. Help us to realize that humanity was created to shine like the stars and live on through all eternity. Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace. Help us to walk together, pray together, sing together, and live together until that day when all God’s children — Black, White, Red, Brown and Yellow — will rejoice in one common band of humanity in the reign of our Lord and of our God, we pray. Amen.

We join praying with people around the world the prayer that 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.

We pray for….

  • One who has been in pain since knee replacement surgery; trying different therapies. Prayers that PT and meds will help without causing damage to other conditions.
  • The safety of cattle in Newport; Needmore area. A pack of wild dogs is attacking livestock. Farmers are in danger as well as they care for their animals. Pray for safety of animals and humans. Prayers for county officials to come up with a good way to ensure safety for all.
  • One whose mother is in Cardiac ICU; thankful she is making good progress
  • A son and spouse who are caregivers for elderly mother and her ongoing medical needs; prayers for patience and peace. Pray that doctor can find ways to ease pain.
  • All church members who are in hospital right now.
  • An aunt who is going through a very painful divorce; also prayers for her children.
  • A dear friend who was a victim of the attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve. Prayers for friends who witnessed it. Prayers for all who are dealing with tragic loss from this horrific event.
  • All those affected by fires in LosAngeles; so many friends and family of CSUMC members.
  • A father who has been in hospital; hoping to go home before weekend. Thankful for family connections.A preemie grandson; doing well in NICU. Will need skull surgery soon.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • A truly inspiring interfaith prayer service this afternoon hosted by CSUMC and planned by the MLK Commemorative Commission. Wonderful seeing Christians of different traditions, Muslim, Jewish, Baha’i, and other faiths coming together to pray.
  • Our search committees for organist and director of youth who continue to do good work in discernment.
  • Eyesight improving since heart surgery

We continue to pray for….

  • All families who are dealing with cancer diagnosis and the unknown; waiting for more testing and seeing which treatment options are offered.
  • All who are caring for a loved one – especially a spouse – with dementia
  • Those who are in hospice care; their caretakers and families, also
  • Those who are receiving treatments for cancer.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

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Weekly Prayer – January 8, 2025

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of January 8, 2025

Written by Steve Richardson

Wiry, leafless trees line the ridge tops. Vestiges of symbols of the Christmas season are scarce. Children are back in school. Each day’s sunlight seems much too short. Our brains and skin are acclimated to thinking 50 degrees feels warm. We’re finally getting in the habit of writing “2025” instead of “2024.” Just some of the annual reminders to us, Lord, that it must be early-January! 

Yet we know, God, that even in the season of winter – – whether it’s the astronomical season or those emotional feelings of winter we encounter occasionally during our life journeys – – you never leave us alone. Never. Including those times we find ourselves on unfamiliar paths, you are there with us. Though we think of you as our God in heaven, you are also always in our midst, here where we are in each of our moments of daily living. 

Along our unfamiliar (as well as familiar) paths and at their many intersections, lead us to your peace, and deliver us from evil. Lead us to joy, and deliver us from strife. Lead us to renewal, and deliver us from injustice. Lead us to healing, and deliver us from suffering. Lead us to spiritual enthusiasm, and deliver us from complacency. Lead us to kingdom living, and deliver us from selfishness. Lead us to wisdom, and deliver us from apathy. Lead us to service, and deliver us from greed. Lead us to forgiveness, and deliver us from revenge. Lead us to compassion, and deliver us from hatred.  

And as you lead us in these many ways, Good Shepherd, make us sensible enough to follow. 

Thank you for the generosity of members of Church Street United Methodist who help keep the church shining as a beacon of mission, service and hope in our community. Thank you especially for inspiring clergy, staff, members, teachers and leaders to lift Church Street as a model of your grace in action. 

Thank you, also, for our area’s churches, organizations and volunteers who are providing warm, protective shelter for unhoused neighbors during this harsh weather we’re currently facing. Holy Spirit, we pray you swathe each person serving and being served with your blessings of sustenance and security. 

Lord, in your loving ways, hear and respond to these special appeals from friends who have expressed these prayers… 

We pray for….

  • Those impacted by the fires in Los Angeles: people, animals, plants! Praying for firefighters!
  • One who is at home after triple bypass; praying he gets the assistance he needs
  • A member who begins chemotherapy on Thursday for breast cancer. Thankful that surgery for early stage cancer went well last month.
  • One who had eye surgery on Monday; prayers for healing
  • Thankful for home health care
  • A husband who is in hospice care

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • The birth of a granddaughter! 
  • For online worship service
  • For justice ministries

We continue to pray for….

  • A sister who is having radiation for stage two cervical cancer
  • A brother -in-law who is receiving chemo daily for stage four lung cancer
  • A long-time friend who had kidney removed last week due to cancer; pray that she will be out of pain
  • A sister who is grieving the death of her brother; prayers for all of the family as they deal with this sudden loss
  • All families who are dealing with cancer diagnosis and the unknown; waiting for more testing and seeing which treatment options are offered.
  • All who are caring for a loved one – especially a spouse – with dementia
  • Those who are in hospice care; their caretakers and families, also
  • A friend beginning treatment for stage 4 esophageal cancer and who has now suffered a stroke
  • Successful heart bypass surgery at Cleveland Clinic
  • Friends who are dealing with depression and knowing how to help and how to be there.

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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