Weekly Prayer – May 24, 2023

,

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of May 24, 2023

Rev. Andy Ferguson

Fire-giving God, on the day before long-ago Pentecost, 

You looked down on all you had created: 

     –a universe beyond measure, 

     –a world of sustained beauty and productivity, 

     –creatures great and small. 

You looked down on the followers of your Son: 

     –hiding for fear of their lives, 

     –hopeless in the face of the Cross and his crucifixion, 

     –trying to comprehend the news that the Savior Son again lives — resurrection! 

In the days before Pentecost… 

 

Most days, just now, it seems that we still live in the days before Pentecost, 

     As if your Spirit Fire did not fall to empower believers like us. 

In countries across the globe, families still hide 

     for fear of war outside their doors. 

     –In Ukraine, Syria and sub-Saharan Africa death fills the air. 

     –Let them breathe freedom again at the falling of the Spirit’s Fire. 

Families up and down Central America live in hopelessness today: 

     –Gangs of criminals make their lives a living hell, 

     –Corrupt governments look the other way in the face of injustice, 

     –Jobs in their home countries are impossible to find and keep. 

We struggle to comprehend how lives are changed now that the Savior Son lives. 

     He was raised on long ago Easter, so why is life still fragile? 

     Why is chatter about the Resurrection reserved for graveyard ceremonies? 

     What does that long-ago Pentecost mean for this world? This time? This day? 

 

 Fire-giving God, as you sent tongues of fire to fall on disciples long ago, 

     Send fire again to fall on all who still believe. 

Set us on fire for the Savior Son, Jesus the Christ, 

     That we might be part of building a world 

     Of such peace that the warriors will lay down their arms in awe. 

     That those who watch their children suffer will see a new day dawning. 

Give us such an experience of the Spirit falling 

     That we too must run to tell what God has done, 

     That we might live in Pentecost hope as they did. 

We pray in the name of Jesus, who sent the Spirit Fire after him. Amen. 

We pray for ….

  • Third graders who are having a difficult time this week; prayers for parents. Please God, help our teachers not feel judged.
  • A niece who has been diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Bless her in her work (chaplain with hospice patients) as she deals with her own struggles.
  • Caregivers who feel torn in so many directions; prayers of thanksgiving for those who understand.
  • A safe delivery of baby boy
  • God’s peace while waiting on medical procedures and results
  • A member waiting on diagnosis in hospital; prayers for doctors as they find the right protocol
  • A dear friend who is battling so many demons; pray that he will listen to God’s Voice.
  • Families going through all of the transitions of graduation and moving up and leaving home
  • Safe travels for a son who is moving today; grateful for supportive and loving parents to help!
  • A member in hospice care and her husband who cares for her; strength for both.
  • A family friend who has been in hospital for ten days; praying that the surgery yesterday to remove MRSA infection is successful and will bring healing.

We continue to pray for …

  • The precious child at Children’s Hospital who has had ups and downs since his tracheotomy. Prayers for weary parents. Lord, in your mercy, provide tangible signs of hope and healing.
  • A member recovering after surgery
  • Clarity from doctors and patience while we wait for a medical answers and direction
  • A young wife as she and family prepare for funeral of husband this weekend

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …..

  • Summer vacation! Please let everyone have a good summer! 
  • Our church family
  • The joy a new baby brings

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.

/by

Weekly Prayer – May 17, 2023

,

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of May 17, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

O God of Alpha and Omega, God of Beginnings and Endings and Beginning Again, we can hear the strains of Pomp and Circumstance in the air and see mortarboards being tossed towards the heavens. Students are relieved and giddy; parents are relieved and tearful. Whether the graduate is a three-year old moving up to Pre-K or a young adult receiving a hood, we are grateful for your presence in their lives and in ours.  

When we move through milestones – and what is sometimes harder – watching children move through milestones, we take time to give thanks for the ways you have been with us along the way. 

The month of May brings memories and hopes and always a bit of heartache. We pray for teachers who have done their very best this year. We pray for teachers who wish they could do more and for teachers who are wondering if they still have the spark. We pray for those who teach and lead at colleges and universities; institutions which used to be places for exploration and hard questions but are now under such scrutiny. We think of students for whom school is their safe place and for others who are already dreading next school year. O God of Compassion, put the right people in paths of those who need to hear an encouraging word.  

Some joyously celebrated Mother’s Day last week and others were grieving. You know all the stories, O God. You know the desires and the disappointments and the celebrations. We pray for new mothers who are hoping for so much and for older mothers who long for their children. Mother’s Day and Decoration Day and Memorial Day … so many opportunities for celebration and honoring precious memories. We are grateful. But we are also human and know that we can break one another’s heart; and yours. Forgive us when we do not reflect the grace that you bestow. 

Fill the world with the hope that swells when we hear bands play at graduation! A drumroll and the crescendo of the horns opens our ears and hearts and spirits to possibilities. The signs of “congratulations” and balloons we pass in the neighborhood make us want to start over and do better. Forgive us when we look back with regret; fill us with “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow!” May we see your blessings all around us and be thankful! 

There are many concerns, O Lord! Church members have poured out their heart knowing that there is strength and healing when we say the words, “please pray for me…” So, in the newness of spring and the glory of your presence, we offer thanks for the gift of prayer. 

We pray for …..

  • A son who has had legal issues for the past several years; finally having a court date this week. Prayers for resolution.
  • Our high school seniors .. may all of them continue to listen to God’s plan for their lives. May they walk in their faith and be mindful of the blessings they are!
  • Friends who have asked for prayers – friends who are struggling with health or financial or relationship issues
  • That we would stay healthy and full of your purpose for these times.
  • A husband who is struggling with grief over his father’s death. Prayers that he can find his way and know God’s calming presence. Prayers for employment that fills his soul with happiness. 
  • A member who asks for good mental and physical health – for clarity. Prayers as she faces knee replacement surgery that she not be filled with worry and anxiety. Prayers for peace.
  • A young wife whose husband died unexpectedly this week; prayers for peace about the future.
  • Couples who are going through difficult times
  • Parents who are trying to balance all the things!
  • A family who is grieving the loss of a dear pet

We offer thanksgiving for ….

  • Successful surgery for the child with tracheotomy; thankful he and his family are adapting and growing in love. Prayers now for increased muscle strength and that he can get off of the vent.
  • Grandparents who were able to visit a granddaughter who has come through difficult surgery
  • Members of the Congregational Care Committee; thankful for the cards and letters and contact they ensure for homebound members.
  • Healthy grandbabies delivered!

We continue to pray for ….

  • Those who are grieving
  • A dear mother in rehab
  • A newborn in NICU – thankful for weight gain!

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.

/by

Weekly Prayer – May 10, 2023

,

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of May 10, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

Sunshine! Light of the World! Let there be light! Let your light shine! Arise, shine; your light has come! 

O God who is Light and who created Light and shares Light, we are aware of and grateful for what the power of sunshine today! This was a beautiful Wednesday. THANK YOU! Our souls as well as our bodies have soaked up your warmth! 

Make us aware of how our spirits are connected to what is happening outdoors. It is difficult to grumble in the morning when we hear birds chirping happily. We breathe in deeply as we leave our temperature-controlled offices to go outdoors. Our lungs perk up with the fresh air. We give you thanks for this connection to creation. Forgive us when we forget that we are part of your creation. Forgive us when we forget that we are called to be stewards of this gift. May we take time to notice sky, earth, rivers, and creeks. We even thank you for all critters; they remind us that we humans were not the only ones on your mind as you said, “Let there be ….” 

Gracious God, we pray that all may feel the warmth of your light and sense the brightness of your love. We know that we are called to be light bearers and light reflectors! Give us the strength and humility to live into those roles. There seems to be so much darkness and strife – we are weary of hearing news and breaking news and updates on breaking news! Yes, we know. We know all the things that are happening in the world. How can we not know with all of the alerts? Honestly, God, we find ourselves becoming numb and losing our empathy. Please shine a light on someone near us; shed a glimmer of hope on a situation nearby where we can focus our attention and prayers and love. We do pray for “your world,” O God, but sometimes we need a smaller picture. We pray for large categories of people; make our prayers have intention! 

We pray for the hungry …. we know about our guests at Soup Kitchen and those who receive extra ‘weekend backpacks’ of food. Thank you for these dear souls, Loving God, whom we have the honor to nourish. 

We pray for the sick …. We can picture people in our neighborhood or in our Sunday School class. These are dear ones who are hurting right now and we are thankful for the ways we can reach out to them and share your love. 

We pray for the lonely …. We are sure there are so many in the world! Thank you for helping us see that one person in our line of vision, O God! May our attention to them be a healing balm. 

Thank you for hearing our prayers at the end of the day. We have so much to be thankful for! 

We offer the requests from our congregation ….. 

We pray for ….

  • A neighbor’s son who has been having seizures and has been in an induced coma for weeks. Please pray that his doctors will be able to figure out what is causing his seizures. Also pray for his Mother, Father, Sister, and Wife as they are with him in St. Louis at a brain specialty hospital.
  • A church member who will be in rehab after surgery to repair a broken hip; prayers for healing and strength. Prayers of thanksgiving for a loving family!
  • Those who have had a family member or loved one die this past week.
  • Recent graduates of the Getting Ahead class at Beacon of Hope; may they continue to feel the confidence and support of this community.
  • Our high school seniors who will lead in worship this Sunday
  • A member’s brothers who need healing and a sense of well-being
  • Family members who live in other countries
  • Family members who are sick; especially older ones who have pneumonia

We continue to pray for …

  • A church member dealing with nerve disease; prayers for relief from pain
  • The precious child who had a tracheotomy last week; prayers for healing. Also prayers for his parents and baby brother as they strive for health and routine.
  • A young father receiving chemotherapy
  • So many in our congregation who are dealing with caregiver issues for aging parents, chronically ill spouses, adult children with addiction issues …. Lord, in your mercy!
  • A brother in rehab regaining his strength and balance

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for  …

  • Two babies born in our congregation! Grateful for the gift of life and love! Prayers for both families!
  • A baby who is still in NICU ‘moved up’ to a crib; continues to gain weight and make strides!
  • For adults who not only “work with” children and youth in our church, but who see them as “their children and youth!”

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.

/by

Weekly Prayer – May 3, 2023

,

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of May 3, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

We come together in prayer this evening – knowing that is only through the power of your grace and the mystery of the Holy Spirit that we are able to commune with you and with one another. This is more than an email we clicked on, O God, (we do thank you for technology); this is a way of connecting. We heard in our scripture Sunday that the apostles devoted themselves to prayer and that contributed to the growth of the community. So, we pause here to think about people in our congregation who are praying alongside us now …. 

We think of those who sit near us on the pew … we think of those who type in ‘good morning!’ on the YouTube Rejoice chat. We think of those who are not able to come to the building but who depend on these emails and prayers for connection. What a gift it is to imagine others beside us. 

As we offer thanks to you for the gift of creation, we can imagine others saying, Thank you, Lord! We look at the mountains; others who pray tonight look across plains while some hear ocean waves splashing as they whisper, “Thank you, Lord, for your creation!”  

As we pray collectively, we acknowledge that we have the same needs and desires —  the same fears and hopes.  We join in prayer with those who are struggling to find a sense of peace, a sense of community, a clear path. You know the decisions and situations we face, O Loving God. Thank you for your calming spirit. If we would simply listen to your voice assuring us we are loved and that we are precious in your sight, we would not waste our energy on worry. Forgive us when we look to you as an ‘outcomes manager,’ instead of the Source of our Being. We want to hurry up and make things perfect (or more honestly, easy or comfortable). Remind us of whose we are and how your presence gives us a steadiness for each day.  

Great Physician, we pray for healing for ourselves and loved ones. We are grateful for so many advances in medical technology and pharmacology, but we become impatient or resentful when we do not ‘feel better’ right away or when a pill or procedure does not ‘fix’ everything. Help us to tend to our bodies well, O God. We are fearfully and wonderfully made! Give us patience as we heal and give us holy encouragement to make good decisions for our health. And when we have done all we can and our bodies still decline and illnesses invade, may we turn to you for solace and strength. We pray for those who struggle with pain.  Make us sensitive to the hurts, the anguish, the illnesses that are usually not visible to us. We offer prayers for those who are suffering with mental illness, with shame, with hurtful relationships and other situations that are normally kept private. May we let others know that the community of believers is a safe place to say, “I need help.” 

We pray for our country O Lord; we are horrified and saddened by more reports of violence; neighbors attacking neighbors; we pray for police officers and EMT personnel who must respond. Our hearts are with the communities in Henrietta, Oklahoma and Cleveland, Texas. We ache for all of those who were on Interstate 55 in Illinois and now know how life can be disrupted – or ended – in an instant. It is easy to read news stories and feel such grief or outrage, and then it fades away as we move on with our day. Let us linger for a moment and remember the ripples in community, O God. One victim of a crash is someone’s father who is someone’s friend who is someone’s teacher who is someone’s ….  When tragedy is too overwhelming, may the knowledge that you are aware of all the ripples soften our hearts. May we be kinder to the people in our everyday connections. We never know how that might ripple out to others. Turn our outrage and grief into civility and respect for all people. Move us to whatever action will bring you glory. May our church offer opportunities for all people to live in harmony with one another that we might be a beacon of light and hope.  

We pray for our government leaders; may they serve out of respect for humanity and obedience to you. Guide and direct them to follow your vision of community. Guide us all in the path of discipleship, so that, as you have blessed us, we may be a blessing for others. May our words and actions empowered by your love bring the promise of the kingdom near.  

We pray for ….

  • A niece who serves as a chaplain in a hospital; recently diagnosed with cancer. So thankful for successful surgery, but it leaves her unable to have children. Prayers for all the layers of healing …
  • A family whose child has died after a long struggle; prayers for extended family and friends. Thankful for caring staff at St. Jude’s Hospital.
  • A friend’s little boy with several health issues had a tracheotomy this morning. Prayers for the family – mom, dad, and younger brother – as they navigate new procedures and home health care and being a family.
  • A friend whose father was killed in the ‘dust bowl’ crash on I-55 in Illinois
  • Our local politicians
  • Teachers as the school year winds down and students’ attentions are elsewhere!
  • One of our Soup Kitchen neighbors who asked for prayer
  • A 99-year old friend who had three blood clots in leg removed; prayers for healing as she looks forward to 100th birthday celebration next week!
  • A member  who has been diagnosed with a chronic pain ailment; praying that doctors may find effective medication
  • A family who is saying goodbye to a beloved father and uncle at age 94. May his memory be for a blessing!
  • The family and friends of a 55-year old daughter/mother/friend who died from cancer. Grateful to hold on to her mantra, “Faith over fear.”

We continue to pray for ….

  • A young father receiving chemotherapy
  • So many in our congregation who are dealing with caregiver issues for aging parents, chronically ill spouses, adult children with addiction issues …. Lord, in your mercy!
  • A brother in rehab regaining his strength and balance

Prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • A a son in Peachtree City who had successful surgery for colon cancer; prayers for continued healing as he moves forward with chemotherapy. 
  • Clear scans
  • The ability to have surgery when needed
  • Birth of a granddaughter and for good health!

We offer this prayer in the name of our Savior Jesus who taught us to pray saying: 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

/by

Weekly Prayer – April 26, 2023

,

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of April 26, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

We thank you, O God of Words and Poetry, for the gift of the Psalms. We begin our prayer tonight with the words of the psalmist: 

In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;  

do not let me ever be put to shame;  

in your righteousness deliver me. 

Incline your ear to me;  

rescue me speedily.  

Be a rock of refuge for me,  

a strong fortress to save me. 

You are indeed my rock and my fortress;  

for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, 

take me out of the net that is hidden for me,  

for you are my refuge. 

Into your hand I commit my spirit;  

you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.  (Psalm 31:1-5) 

We say those words at the graveside, O God. “Into your hands, we commit the spirit of ….” But you intended them for daily living. O God as we think about things we want to hide from, situations that bring us shame, forces from which we want to be rescued — how would our days be different if we committed our spirit to you? 

As we come to the close of this day and look forward to the refuge of sleep and dreams, we want to ‘sleep like a rock!’ Perhaps sleep is our refuge. May we wake refreshed in the morning and may we remember to commit ourselves to you first thing. We commit our spirits, our desires, our intentions, our words, our thoughts, our tasks, our skills, we commit it all to you O Lord. 

Perhaps we will not be so weary, tired, and afraid tomorrow. 

Redeem us, O Lord, Faithful God! 

We pray for ….

  • A friend who went to ER; waiting for answers about ‘infection around liver.’ 
  • A young friend whose health has improved! Now home from St. Jude’s Hospital! 
  • A wife recovering from hip replacement surgery; doing so well in rehab.
  • A brother in the hospital after experiencing falls; prayers as he moves to rehab for strength and stability
  • The fourth- and fifth-graders who are going on retreat this weekend.
  • The sixth-graders who joined the church last Sunday!
  • A colleague who is feeling the stress of work issues.
  • A tiny one who is getting stronger each day in the NICU
  • College students at the end of the semester
  • The people of Sudan; may the leaders care about the people and not just themselves!
  • A husband recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s

We continue to pray for …

  • So many members who have loved ones going through treatments for cancer; waiting on tests.
  • A young adult looking for a job using his talents.
  • All of our elected officials; may they be servant leaders.
  • Those in our congregation dealing with chronic illnesses; the ups and downs – the unpredictability of good days and bad days.
  • The people of Ukraine and their soldiers
  • Those whose grief is so very raw

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett and the leaders of the Holston Annual Conference
  • The gift of holding a newborn
  • A sixtieth wedding anniversary!
  • A support group in addiction recovery.
  • Rejoice. Thank you for giving me a way to be at church.

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.

/by

Weekly Prayer – April 19, 2023

,

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of April 19, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

O God of Resurrection Power, as we live into our Easter faith, we remember the disciples and their visits with Jesus after ‘the third day.’  

  • Mary being surprised by him in the garden, but hearing your name;  
  • Thomas missing out on the group meeting and asking reasonable questions;  
  • Cleopas and his friend who walked with him all that way and did not recognize him until after he had broken bread and departed;  
  • Peter and the others fishing and seeing a familiar figure (but they dare not believe) on the shore. 

If we were to write our accounts, Jesus, what would we add to the gospel writers’ stories? Where have we seen you? Have we even looked for you? 

As we look back over our day, where have you surprised us, O Christ? As we think back over encounters, were you speaking to us? Was that you nudging us, Jesus? Was that you, causing us to rethink and take a second look? 

We want the alleluias from two Sundays ago to reverberate in our soul, but we get distracted by other chants and voices. We hear the anguish of citizens who are concerned about gun violence and the cries of parents whose children have died. We hear the concern over our denomination and churches leaving to go out on their own. We hear government leaders making promises about safety. We hear people who are sick pleading for healing.  

O God, as we lay our head down this evening, our prayer is that we can intertwine the Alleluias into the needs and struggles of this world. We cannot keep them separate; forgive us when we try. If we praise you in church, then we must trust that you are working in your world. May we see you along the road and in the boardroom and at the school and in the offices where decisions are made. How might we utter or cry out alleluia – proclaiming Resurrection power in our everyday living. 

We thank you for words of promise and praise from our scriptures: 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. (1 Peter 1:3-4) 

May our first word in the morning be, Alleluia! May we mean it! 

In the name of Jesus we pray …. 

We pray for ….

  • A couple who is moving from Florida to be close to sister and brother-in-law here in Knoxville. Sister has brain shrinkage and  dementia. Thankful they can move closer so her family can help with her care. Prayers for our church members who are preparing to welcome them into the neighborhood and care!
  • One of our church’s unhoused neighbors: to give him peace from his concerns, protection in his unhoused status and grace as he makes his self-appointed rounds to remove trash at the downtown churches.
  • A member’s son who lives out of state and who is having such a difficult time. Serious medical issues; his best friend has had heart attack and is in coma; and, his wife is wanting a divorce. Prayers for his health as he faces all of these overwhelming circumstances. 
  • A couple’s 24-year old daughter who has had to move out of their home. Prayers for her well-being and theirs.
  • A young boy who is dealing with brain cancer and complications from scar tissue; prayers for his parents who were preparing for his surgery and then told that is not feasible.
  • Governor Lee
  • Members of a Sunday School class who hold each other in prayer each week.
  • A member who has been diagnosed with lung cancer
  • Friends who are struggling with family situations and finances
  • A sister who is waiting on results of PET scan

We continue to pray for …

  • Those who are grieving after the sudden death of loved ones
  • A member who was injured at work
  • A friend who is waiting for diagnostic tests

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • Our daughter who is pregnant with our second grandchild.

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.

/by

Weekly Prayer – April 12, 2023

,

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of April 12, 2023

Rev. Tim Best

This week’s prayer is from in-person worship on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. 

Gracious and loving Lord,

We praise and glorify you as we celebrate your defeat of all the forces of sin and death. We join our hearts and voices together in singing hymns and in shouts of joy and celebration, singing and proclaiming “Christ our Lord is risen today”. We praise you because we are so aware of the power of death. Creation groans under the weight of all those powers and principalities that seek to undo, to destroy, and to steal our hope. In our lenten journey we have known and named such pain and loss. In the light of this Easter Day we find hope in the face of grief and loss. Fill us with an Easter hope that will stay with us through the year ahead.

Lord, with the confidence of resurrection,

We are not afraid!

God,

You who breathed life into all creation, breathe upon creation new life today. We see in our midst symbols and signs of your sustaining grace. We see the trees turning green again, colors and hues give new beauty to the landscape that for many months has seemed bleak and dull. We praise you for the beauty of creation, the bounty of your resources, and our calling to care and tend for the earth. Where we have used our resources unwisely or with selfish intent, forgive us. When nature has caused damage to the homes and communities of others, move us to action. When we have abused and neglected that to which we are charged to care for and steward, by your mercy guide us to change. Let us discover in your resurrection the strength to work towards a creation in harmony with itself. May we strive to embrace and embody a creation that fully reflects your peaceable kingdom.

Lord, with the confidence of resurrection,

We are not afraid!

Lord Jesus Christ,

In your triumph over the cross you show yourself to be greater than all the powers of this world. Rulers and kings sought to destroy you through violence and death, and yet you overcame the violence of the cross and the darkness of the tomb. When we are lured by the powers of this world, remind us of your strength, your grace, and most of all your loving mercy. Our hearts are so often filled with division and anger towards the “other”. The other that votes differently than us, the other that lives differently than us, other that speaks and acts and prays differently than us. As Tennesseans our hearts are heavy. We need this Easter proclamation as much as ever. We pray for our leaders, those we voted for and those we did not. We pray for those who work to keep or families, our schools, our children and all in our communities, safe. When fear moves us to use our power in harmful ways, correct and guide us in your Spirit. May we trust not in our power, but in yours.

Lord, with the confidence of resurrection,

We are not afraid!

Lord of the living and the Dead,

We pray for those who we love but rest in you. Even as we celebrate the resurrection, comfort us when we mourn. Remind us that since Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead, so too, will all those whom you call forth on that great getting up morning, may we be raised to new life. As we long for that day, grant to each of us the assurance that living and dying, our life is in you. We are afraid to die, but help us that in the promise of your resurrection we would not be afraid to live boldly for you.

Lord, with the confidence of resurrection,

We are not afraid!

We pray for ….

  • Church member whose aunt died this past week; last relative in that generation. Thankful for love and precious memories
  • Church member whose friend died suddenly
  • Those who are adjusting to life after burying a loved one
  • Those who are in the hospital
  • A member’s granddaughter as she seeks God’s will about college/future decisions
  • Our sixth graders who are preparing to profess faith and receive vows of membership on April 23
  • Those who are waiting on results from heart caths, PET scans and other diagnostic procedures
  • A family who is moving out of state; may they find good connections
  • All educators at every level who are dealing with spring fever!

We continue to pray for …

  • A newborn (who came very early) in NICU; thankful for his strength and loving family!
  • A young father going through chemo

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • Expressions of kindness and love after death of a family member
  • Easter! 
  • A couple who is engaged; prayers as they plan for their future together!

And now, because we can be confident in the resurrection, we offer these prayers to you in the name of the one who taught us to pray, saying…

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

/by

Weekly Prayer – April 5, 2023

,

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of April 5, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

O God who calls forth all springtime flowers, thank you for the beauty of this day. Sunshine. A breeze. Pinks, whites, yellows, pale purples are smiling from bushes and gardens. We want to stay outside and bask the beauty of your creation. 

You have called all things good; and yet, you have given us the freedom to choose whether to live into your Goodness or not. So, while we are capable of admiring beauty we are also capable of thinking and doing things that do not reflect beauty. Today, is Wednesday. If we follow the gospel writer Mark’s timeline, it is today that a frustrated Judas colluded with religious leaders to betray Jesus. We step away from his shadow and insist we would never do anything horrendous. Not I, Lord! 

As the gentle breeze blows and the sunlight touches our face, we feel the whisper of your grace and know that we need forgiveness. We have followed our own ways – for good reasons, we think. We have pushed aside or shoved ahead – all for a just cause, we think. We have betrayed loved ones who have hurt us — they deserve it, we think.  We have forgotten the needs of the poor and the voiceless – their time will come, we think. We have not supported causes in our community – my voice won’t matter, we think. 

Our names do not bear the weight of “Judas Iscariot,” but you know our names. You know our bent to selfishness, greed, and self-centeredness. You have promised us that in knowing our names, you call us by name, you love us, and offer us a place in your heart. 

Forgive us O God, for our betrayal of your love when we have not loved others. On this Wednesday, when the disciples ask, “Is it I, Lord?” may we hear the Savior’s voice say, “I have called you friend.” 

Thank you for your forgiving love, your restoring grace, and your renewing spirit. In a reconciled posture, we now pray and bow before you. We offer prayers of gratitude for our Savior Jesus Christ and his obedience to you; his Self-giving love. 

In humble gratitude, we offer these prayers of concern for our community and our world. For Nashville and all the family at the Covenant Christian School, for refugees in Ukraine, for those devastated by tornadoes in Mississippi, Arkansas, Illinois and other places …. Hear our prayers, O Lord.  

And now, we thank you for the opportunity to join in prayer for those in our church family who have asked for prayer…. 

We pray for …

  • A member having a heart cath this week; pray for peace and calm about the procedure
  • A family who buried their mother this week after a long and loving life
  • A member whose sister died and funeral is this week
  • A church member who is grieving the death of his wife
  • A member having surgery on Thursday
  • A member whose mother is nearing the end of her life; prayers for peace from Lewy-Body Dementia
  • The many in our congregation who have family members waiting on test results; some for cancer, some for other diagnoses. Prayers for clarity from doctors.
  • School teachers and administrators who have to plan for threats and prepare students for emergencies
  • A precious little boy born prematurely and in distress; grateful for miracles in NICU and for a loving family who surrounds the mother, father, and child.
  • State legislators to represent us well and be reasonable about gun violence
  • Teenagers and young adults dealing with depression

We give thanks for …

  • The peaceful transition from life to death to eternal life; thinking of dear friends and family members who are in Eternal Light.
  • School resource officers
  • A glorious Palm Sunday! Thankful for all those who work with children and youth choirs!
  • Our Altar Guild

We continue to pray for …

  • A young father receiving chemotherapy and his family
  • Those who are in rehab
  • Those who continue to grieve.
  • Those looking for a job.

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.

/by

Who He Is

,

Daily Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Tuesday, April 4, 2023 – Morning

By Verna McLain

Who He Is

Read: Psalm 139:9

“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me and your right hand will hold me.”

Albert Schweitzer, physician, theologian and musician, worked in a mission hospital in Africa from 1913 until the end of his life in 1965. He touched the lives of many. In his writing entitled: The Quest of the Historical Jesus, he wrote: “He comes to us as One unknown, without a name, as of old, by the lakeside. He came to those men who knew him not. He speaks to us the same word: “Follow thou me!” And sets us to the tasks which He has to fulfill for our time. He commands. And to those who obey Him, whether they be wise or simple, He will reveal Himself in the toils, the conflicts, the sufferings which they shall pass through in His fellowship, and, as an ineffable mystery, they shall learn in their own experience “Who He Is.”

Several years ago, I visited the Holy Land with a Church Street group. We walked the “Way of the Cross” stopping at the spots where Jesus stopped as He was carrying his cross. The steps were steep in places and it was as though we were walking with Jesus carrying our own cares and burdens that were holding us down and making the way more difficult. I am reminded of an old hymn-“Must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free? No there is a cross for everyone and there is a cross for me.’’ Jesus died on that cross that he was carrying and set us free to serve Him and others. But first, we must let go of all the things that keep us from walking with Jesus – fears, anxieties, anger, hate, jealousy. Bring them to the cross and leave them and then walk away with renewed faith and hope.

So what task is Jesus setting you to follow after you leave your burdens and cares at the cross? Is He calling you to serve others? Is He asking you to teach a Sunday School class or serve on a committee? Is he asking you to run for public office. As Schweitzer said in his search for Jesus, Jesus will reveal himself in the toils, the conflicts and the sufferings. Are you willing?

Jesus said: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Do we believe that? So what is our next step in our Quest to learn WHO HE IS?

Prayer

Jesus, walk with me in my trials, in my troubles, in my sorrows and in my Joys. Amen.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

/by

Weekly Prayer – March 29, 2023

,

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of March 29, 2023

Rev. Tim Best

This prayer was originally offered on Sunday, March 26 by Rev. Tim Best after we read scripture from Ezekiel 37:1-14 … the valley of dry bones. Rev. Best has added to this prayer since Monday morning, following the deaths in Nashville. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, King of the Universe

We give you thanks for your mission and ministry in our midst. We praise you for your grace that seeks us out and works within us and within our communities. You do notice when our bones feel dried out, our lives feel parched, and the forces of the world crush and overwhelm us. In the midst of tragedy and violence, we feel crushed and overwhelmed. Jesus came amongst us to make your love known by healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and freeing us all from the powers of sin and death. Thank you for transforming us by your great mercy and inviting us into your kingdom now and in the age to come. 

We are invited into your kingdom, we are invited to share in a living vision of dry bones being given new life. Breathe new life into us, that as our hearts are wrenched open by the senselessness of violence we might participate in your mission of new life and new creation. Though the world tempts us to wring our hands and accept that some things just “are”, we trust in the promise that in Jesus all things truly are possible. Let us live out your mission of peace boldly in our world, in our community, and in our relationships with one another. 

We do pray for those who are sick, those who suffer in body or mind, and those who are hungry. We pray for those who mourn, those filled with anger, for those filled with fear. We pray for friends who await for test results. We pray for families anxious about having enough. We pray for those who are lonely and long friendship and love. O God, our hearts ache for the communities in Mississippi which have been reduced to rubble. We know that your love, your Spirit, can breathe comfort and hope into the people of Rolling Fork and other towns.

Many of us joined together in service this past weekend. We packed boxes, put cleaning kits together, and offered ourselves in other ways as part of our “mission weekend.” It is good for us to gather together to serve and to work towards goals to help in our community and our world. But, we pray that you would shape our hearts so that when we hear the word “mission” we would think of the word “love.” Let our works be always done in love and with the purpose of making your love known. In your Spirit all things we do and all we say can participate in your mission of love in our world. Ezekiel had a vision of you giving new life in the face of death. Help us to share in that vision with our words and our deeds.

Just as Jesus acted for the good of the people he encountered, guide us to pray and work together to act for the good of our neighbors. Often our actions do not alleviate the suffering of our neighbors, and more than we care to admit likely contribute to it. 

Give us a vision of your kingdom, that we may live boldly as those who believe that the world will be set right, and that even the places of dry bones will know new life in Christ Jesus. 

We pray for …

  • Members who are in hospice care; may they know God’s peace and comfort. Prayers for family members who keep vigil.
  • An elderly family friend who is declining
  • A member’s brother and sister-in-law who are about to become parents!
  • Clarity in difficult situations
  • Prayers from a Sunday School class to strengthen members and deepen their discipleship
  • All of the people in Mississippi who are devastated by tornado
  • Direction for our state and federal leaders to make sensible changes to gun laws. 
  • All of the students, faculty, and families at Covenant Christian School in Nashville TN
  • The family of the shooter 
  • Seniors who are making decisions about future
  • A member who is hospitalized; praying her body can fight infection

We give thanks for …

  • A brother who is hiking the Appalachian Trail and taking a break at his 500-mile mark here with family.
  • Caring nurses in the ICU at hospital
  • Church leaders who offer words of encouragement and testimony
  • Police officers and EMTs

We continue to pray for …

  • A member receiving chemotherapy and his family
  • Those who are in rehab
  • Our nation
  • Peace and an end to conflict in Ukraine
  • A friend’s three-year old who is in ETCH; prayers for strength for parents

May we be shaped by his mission to us that we may live out that prayer that he taught us, as we pray it together, saying:  

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

/by