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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Weekly Prayer – June 5, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of June 5, 2024

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance

Gracious God, we thank you for this gift of prayer, and for this technology. “Email” can sound so impersonal, yet, here we are, so many of us reading these words and praying the same words together. We thank you for the way we can be connected – yes, through the power of the Holy Spirit – but also through a weekly email that acknowledges we are part of a larger group. 

We may not know everyone’s name, but there is a comfort in knowing that we gather to pray on Wednesday night or perhaps it is Thursday morning when these words are opened. Thank you for the opportunity to pray for one another. We do experience peacefulness when we pray for others. 

We have marveled yesterday and today at the sudden downpour of rain and then what seems to be just as sudden clearing of clouds and shining sun. Then the rain and then sunshine, again. Our bodies and spirits are tuned to your creation, O God. The sun on our face feels so nourishing and we pray for ‘no rain.’ Then it comes, and we find joy in watching cardinals splash in puddles in our yard. We know the earth needs sun and rain. Our bodies need light and refreshment as well. Help us make good decisions about the care of our bodies and our minds.  

At the start of ‘vacation season’ we pray for good and safe times:  

  • Safety for families, friends, and individuals who are traveling.  
  • Happy reunions  
  • Time to relax and refresh 
  • Opportunities to learn something new or try something never experienced before 
  • Good judgment in spending and buying 
  • Thankfulness for routine to help steady us for what’s next 

May our summer travels make us even more thankful for home. We give you thanks for family and friends and for our church family. We give you thanks for the beauty of East Tennessee and the opportunities we have here to bask in the glory of your creation. 

May we not take for granted things like windshield wipers, sunscreen, farmers’ markets, cobbler, and the warmth of a hug or handshake. May we not take for granted how much it means to pat someone on the back or send a ‘thinking of you.’ 

Thank you, God, for the variety of rhythms your changing seasons give to us. Thank you for Wednesdays and the time to pray. 

We pray together for the concerns and joys shared by our church family and also offer the prayer your son taught us … 

We pray for ….

  • Our Parish Youth Choir and their leaders who are in Boston this week
  • 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 husband dealing with cancer and side effects from chemo
  • Staff and families at Cornerstone of Recovery and other addiction treatment centers
  • A couple whose dog had to be put to sleep; thankful for the love your creatures bring
  • One who seeks God’s protection from those who are harming her
  • A mother-in-law who just entered hospice care at home
  • Friends and family who are having struggles
  • A forty-one year old friend who has cancer
  • Increased wisdom in all circumstances

We continue to pray for ….

  • Families who are celebrating graduations and other milestones; also prayers for whom this is a difficult season.
  • One who is learning a new day-to-day after the death of her mother
  • 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.
  • Adult children trying to make good decisions about next steps in work and school and life!

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • A granddaughter who arrived early! We continue to pray for strength and weight gain.
  • For our staff who work hard all summer!

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 – May 22, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of May 22, 2024

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance

Tonight’s prayer is adapted from the one used this past Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2024. The idea for the prayer petition came from a worship resource for the Reformed Church of America.

O God, who always listens to us, who breathes new life into us, call us forward to resurrection.

When we look at images from the news, we seem to be surrounded by a world of dry bones, a world of death and despair, a world where we lose hope in our governments and institutions; we lose hope in one another.

We pray for this world in need of your Word: for all the people in it . . . we are hurting and praying for the people in Gaza and for the people in Israel who have lost loved ones from the violence; those who are still being held hostage. We see divisions in Slovakia after assassination attempt and more destruction in Ukraine. It is tempting to give up hope of peace and to ask, “What is the use of prayer?”

O God who always listens to us, who breathes new life into us, call us forward to resurrection.

We just celebrated Armed Forces Day this past weekend. We remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our country and freedom. We pray for world leaders and the decisions they must make … we pray for our president and for other heads of state that the decisions they make will bring an end to violence.

O God, who always listens to us, who breathes new life into us, call us forward to resurrection.

We are surrounded by people with dried up lives, people unable to see your life past their tears. We think of those who are lonely, who are grieving. We all know of someone whose life is being dried up by addiction or financial worries. We pray for this world in need of your healing presence: for those who are imprisoned, those we are waiting to hear from medical tests, those who are waiting to hear about a job. We have friends and family in Houston and other places who are dealing with the aftermath of storms. Oh God, we pray that your breath would bring hope and healing.

O God, who always listens to us, who breathes new life into us, call us forward to resurrection.

Those in the world would tell us that the church is dead; that we are nothing more than dry bones gathered together. We had a glorious day of worship this past Sunday. We celebrated Pentecost! May we, your church, be open to your breath! Just as Ezekiel heard rattling of bones coming to life, make us aware of the rattling we hear when children gather to learn bible stories, when youth gather to do service, when adults gather to serve a meal to the homeless. Do not allow us to be persuaded by those who say the church has no life, but give us the boldness to live fully into the life you call us.

We pray for the courage not just to follow you to death, but to follow you to the New Creation.

O God, who always listens to us, who breathes new life into us, call us forward to resurrection.

Call us to follow in the footsteps of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, who taught us when we pray to say:

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 is having dental surgery next week; prayers there are no complications due to low platelets
  • For an employee whose son was killed in a traffic accident Sunday morning; prayers for safe travels as they go to Colorado for service. Prayers for God’s peace as they grieve.
  • For those who are grieving the loss of a pet
  • Families who are celebrating graduations and other milestones; also prayers for whom this is difficult season.
  • One who is learning a new day-to-day after the death of her mother
  • One who has been hospitalized out of town but is now home; awaiting surgery
  • A wife who is coming to the end of her earthly life; may she feel God’s peace as she enters eternal light.
  • A couple who is waiting to hear about IVF procedures and results.
  • A newborn who spent first few days in NICU; thankful she can go home. Continued prayers for strength. Prayers of thanksgiving for family!

We continue to pray for ……

  • 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 who are beginning the journey of “some type of dementia.” Prayers of thanksgiving for doctors who study our brains, for researchers who have developed better testing, for social workers, for loving family members, and helpers all around!
  • Friends and family members who are going through a troubling time.
  • Adult children trying to make good decisions about next steps in work and school and life!
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Weekly Prayer – May 8, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of May 8, 2024

Written by Steve Richardson

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come: Open our minds and hearts to sensing your closeness as you hear our prayers. 

We’re thankful for the sphere of your creation we call Earth, for its resources and social communities. Yet it can be a hostile place. The unexpected lurks in every future. Even on this evening, we’re bracing against threats of severe, potentially damaging weather. Protect and shield us, God. Strengthen our faith, ignite our hope, and bolster our confidence that you will continue to guide and steady us through our adversities. 

As we turn to you as our source for hope, embolden us with wisdom and the spiritual gifts to be peacemakers wherever there is unrest; to be healers wherever there is disease and brokenness; to be mediators wherever there is separation and mistrust; to be givers wherever there is scarcity; to be caretakers wherever there is fragility; to be comforters wherever there is mourning; to be voices of calm wherever there is angst or anxiety; to be uniters wherever there is exclusion; to be instruments of your love wherever there is rejection, hurt, despair or loneliness. 

You’ve shown us your omnipotence in many ways, including the remarkable ascension of the risen Christ from Earth to the heavenly realm. We commemorate that glorious act of salvation tomorrow. And in doing so, we pray we remain mindful of your promise to abide with us now and every moment for eternity. Thank you, God, for this gift that’s too vast to fully comprehend. 

A few days later, we celebrate Mother’s Day. The day set for this is cultural, yet the significance is Biblical and sacred, as directed by you, holy Yahweh, in your 5th  commandment.  Thank you for the love, fostering and nurturement given us by our mothers, as well as lineages of the mothers before them in ages past. 

Thank you for Church Street United Methodist Church. Thank you for its clergy, staff, and volunteers in mission, teaching and leadership. Thank you for its transformational work in the Knoxville community and beyond. Thank you for granting each of us the opportunity to be a part of this church. 

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

We pray for …. 

  • Two members who have each had a long-time pet die. Thankful for all of God’s creatures and for the companionship they provide!
  • Friends who are beginning the journey of “some type of dementia.” Prayers of thanksgiving for doctors who study our brains, for researchers who have developed better testing, for social workers, for loving family members, and helpers all around!
  • Friends and family members who are going through a troubling time.
  • Adult children trying to make good decisions about next steps in work and school and life!
  • Members who are hospitalized
  • A dear friend who has had a biopsy to determine cancer diagnosis and best treatments
  • For those who were affected by storms yesterday and today
  • For college students and school personnel; that a reasonable outcome can be reached during the ‘protests.’
  • Students who are anxious for the end of school.
  • Our seniors who are leading us in worship this Sunday.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • A clear report from the doctor!
  • That I am feeling better after a long illness
  • For those who volunteered at General Conference and for the good United Methodists in Charlotte who offered so much hospitality!

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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