Weekly Prayer – November 29, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 29, 2023

Rev. Jan Buxton Wade

Holy and Elusive God, we enter your presence in these moments because we desire to know your truth.  We seek to comprehend the whole of you, often trying to define you with names and attributes.  Yet our spiritual impulses never quite reach their goal, for you are always the “otherness” beyond our comprehension. You, O Lord, cannot be contained.  Still, when we gather as one body in the quiet of your sacred space, we sense your loving presence.  And somehow, it is enough. Cloak us with that same loving presence this night, we pray.  We may be scattered, but ever remain one body, fixed by Christ himself.

Holy and Unwavering God, in this mire of mixed messages, we often feel overwhelmed.  At times we barely find our own voice amid the clamor of each day’s discouraging news.  Help us, we pray, in this time of war and unrelenting troubles, to pay attention.  Help us notice which words and images are forming us and our families.  Help us use our ears to hear words that uplift, never disparage.  Help us gain courage to challenge falsehood, to distinguish honesty from hypocrisy. Help us live as those who carry the handprint of Christ upon their hearts.

Holy and Astonishing God, whether we perceive it or not, truly you are hidden in the pockets of our everyday lives, ever offering your benevolence.  We praise you for that closeness that does not disappoint.  And so we bow before you in gratitude now, acknowledging the ways in which you stir our hearts:

  • For all the young ones in our church who have been baptized and blessed, who are being brought up in our church home;
  • For all musicians and their healing gift of music that saturates our souls;
  • For our brothers and sisters in our congregation and in our community who are living examples of your grace;
  • For your entering into our suffering and your comfort of all who are confused, ill, lonely, and bereaved;
  • For your love that transcends ethnicity, language, and religion

Accept also these petitions from our congregation who have asked to be remembered:

We pray for ….

  • A member’s husband who has ten more weeks of aggressive chemotherapy
  • A 20-year old who has been battling brain cancer for five years; prayers for her and her family as her body succumbs to disease.
  • A sister-in-law whose melanoma has returned; prayers for her as she meets with oncologist tomorrow
  • For caregivers who are watching their spouse or parent or loved one struggle with dementia, Parkinsons, or other chronic illnesses
  • Friends who are going through difficult times
  • A friend who just learned of cancer diagnosis
  • A friend who is undergoing an alternative treatment for aggressive cancer
  • All of the victims of war; praying for peace
  • For those who are struggling as the holidays approach

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • Clear scans at least doctor’s visit
  • A member able to return to Knoxville for rehabilitation after lengthy hospital stay out of town.
  • Hostages being released and a pause in violence; may it last, O God!
  • Birth of a healthy grandbaby
  • Precious baptism last Sunday and new member joining
  • For successful surgery for removal of a mass; prayers for our friend’s body to heal!

Holy and Timeless God, gather up all the prayers of our hearts, and use them to bind us securely to you. Remembering the call of your prophets, the commitment of our ancestors, and our very own promises of loyalty to you alone, we re–dedicate ourselves to you in this hour, offering all our prayers in the name of Jesus, the Ever-Present One, 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.

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Weekly Prayer – November 22, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 22, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

God is great; God is good. Let us thank God for our food. Amen. 

We learned this prayer at an early age, O God. Eyes closed, head bowed, hands folded. We were not even sure who ‘God’ was, but we knew we were supposed to say this before we ate. 

We thank you for children’s prayer books and Sunday School teachers who later explained that it was you, O God, who made corn to grow and who gave the farmers strength to harvest the land. As we have grown in years and wisdom (hopefully) we understand that you are the Source of Life. We also know you care for each person who has a hand in preparing our Thanksgiving meal this weekend … farmers, migrant workers, truck drivers, warehouse employees, scientists, nutritionists, restaurant owners and workers, chefs, grocery store owners and workers and stockers …. 

Thank you, God who knows each name, for inviting each of us into your love. When we pause to say God is great, may our gratitude open our hearts even more to receive your love and your vision for your world. 

We pray fervently for peace; we pray for those leaders who are negotiating a break in the fighting for release of hostages. We pray fervently for those who have opportunity to gather in conversation and find ways to live alongside one another. We pray with tearful hearts for children, babies, that they might know safety and comfort. God is great, God is good. O Lord, we do believe that! May your spirit move in the hearts of angry and bitter leaders so that they might bring healing to their communities. 

God is great; God is good. We know so many who are praying for healing. We pray that they would know your peace first of all. We pray that they would trust that you desire wholeness for them and are working in and with others. We thank you for doctors and health care professionals who take the time to listen to us and hear about what ails us.  

God is great; God is good. Even for folks who are grieving this holiday, may they trust even in grief they know that love does not end. We hurt so much when a loved one dies; thank you for understanding that hurt and not asking us to pretend otherwise.  

God is great; God is good. We are grateful for opportunities to feed others in our community. We pray for all who are worried about food this season. Forgive us when we assume that ‘there is plenty of food,’ also means that distribution is possible. Help our agencies and ministries work together to ensure that all have enough to eat. 

God is great; God is good. Thank you for the relationships we hold dear. 

We pray for ….

  • A sister-in-law whose melanoma has returned; prayers for her as she meets with oncologist next week
  • A ninety-year old husband (childhood pastor of a member) is caring for his wife who has had Alzheimer’s for five years. She has now been diagnosed with Lewy-Body Dementia. Prayers for them both; but especially him as he struggles to care for her.
  • Friends who are going through difficult times
  • A member being transported back home after lengthy hospital stay out of town; prayers for strength as she goes through rehab
  • A friend who just learned of cancer diagnosis
  • A friend who is undergoing an alternative treatment for aggressive cancer
  • All of the victims of war; praying for peace
  • Prayers for a break in fighting so hostages can be released
  • For a neighbor in Vestal whose daughter died suddenly
  • For those who are struggling as the holidays approach

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • Those who funded, packed, and delivered Thanksgiving boxes
  • Devoted volunteers, Stephen Ministers, Parish Health Ministry Team, and Congregational Care members who stay in touch with church members
  • Family being able to come over the weekend
  • Clear scans at least doctor’s visit

Thank you for this church and for all the saints who join us in praying, Our Father, who art in heaven … 

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 – November 15, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 11, 2023

Rev. Tim Best

Gracious Lord,

Thank you for the overwhelming abundance of your love. In your love we discover that we need not try to save ourselves. We hear the voices of the world around us speaking doubt and fear. It is so tempting to place our trust in ourselves alone. We hear words like “self-reliance” and some of us brim with pride thinking of all that we have accomplished. We can list our strengths with speed skill. Others hear those words and are overwhelmed by shame and defeat. Those who have required more help, more support, and more effort feel less than a full self, because they have had to rely on others.

Help us all discover, with a sense of great joy, the gift that is your support and care. We have been created for community, for relationship, and for belonging found in you. You have Created us, and sustained us through the trials and difficulties that we have encountered. Through Christ you have delivered us from the power of Sin and Death. Where our efforts ended in no way, you in your mercy made a way and brought us into abundant life. Where we see others struggling, alone, and suffering, use this church family and its members as witnesses to your salvation.

We pray for our community. We pray for those that are ill, suffering, or alone. Be with all those who feel helpless or desperate. Reveal in each of us, now matter how strong

we might feel, our need for you. We pray for those who grieve and mourn. We pray for those who do not have enough to eat, and for those who may have plenty to eat, but have no one with whom to share it all. We pray for those who look towards Thanksgiving with pain and anxiety in their hearts. We pray for those who will long to be with loved ones, but cannot, and for those who are worried up gathering with those they are not sure really love them. Grant each of these your peace.

We pray for our world. Our hearts break and our heads hurt as we wrestle with the ongoing violence and suffering in our world. We turn to your son, the prince of Peace and the Lord of Life, and wait for that day when he will end all war and death. Be at work in the hearts of every leader of every nation. The only peace we can trust is the peace promised through Christ’s kingdom. Deliver us from our slavery to war and violence, and initiate your reign of peace.

As you delivered your people from Egypt and sustained them in the wilderness, deliver and sustain us. Grant that we would wait with faithful expectation for the day when we shall be led out of the wilderness. Until that day, nurture and protect us.

We pray for ….

  • A wife in hospital out of town; praying for recovery from emergency surgery; prayers she can return to Knoxville soon!
  • Friends who are going through difficult times
  • All of the victims of war; praying for peace
  • For a neighbor in Vestal whose daughter died
  • For those who are struggling as the holidays approach
  • For a brother in Alabama having a heart procedure
  • For one who is in rehab and looking for assisted living options

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • The birth of a second child!
  • A successful knee replacement surgery
  • All who are helping with Thanksgiving boxes
  • One who is undergoing cancer treatment but still able to come to church

We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, 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.

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Weekly Prayer – November 8, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 8, 2023

Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst, we come to you with our prayers, trusting fully in your grace and mercy to receive them.   

Your handiwork placed this Earth in its position so we can thrive from the brightness and energy of our sun. As you arranged, on our half of the globe we continue to see the daylight shorten and the nighttime lengthen, and we know the coolness of fall and winter seasons will surround us for the next several months. Still, God, we delight in the changing seasons. Each one brings its beauty and majesty of your creative design. Thank you, God, for the richness of your creation. 

Yet, we are troubled, God.  Across the world – and even right here in our own neighborhoods – undeserved unrest and suffering afflict so many people. We look to you to fix things. But keep us mindful that we are instruments of your peace, and we are capable and equipped to help fix many problems, especially those that are stained by injustice, selfishness, greed, lack of compassion, oppression, neglect, abuse and other forms of human-infused iniquity.  Forgive us when we may be complicit in causing such problems. And inspire us to get to work – – to the fundamental work of loving one another, just as Jesus told us to do. 

As you certainly know, though, other forms of suffering are beyond our capacities to resolve. Be it illness, grief over loss, hurt and brokenness caused by forces of nature, personal crisis or other despairs, we pray for your presence, comfort and assurance of showing us paths forward. 

Lead us, Lord, to lift and sustain Church Street United Methodist Church through our gifts. Just as the seasons of nature journey through their cycle, so does your church. The current year is almost over, and a new one will soon begin. Members’ financial support is needed for the present, as well as the future. Awaken each of us to the soul-filling joy that comes with giving (especially when it comes to giving generously to your church, where lives are transformed).  May all members experience this joy of giving! 

Thank you, God, for your many blessings: Blessings known, blessings we tend to take for granted, blessings we don’t even realize, and blessings to come. Lead us to respond to these through sharing your grace with others and through living our lives in ways that demonstrate praise to you.  

Most merciful God, hear these needs and expressions of others in our church community. We pray you surround each person with your loving embrace and peace that extends beyond all understanding… 

We pray for ….

  • A young mother expecting birth of second child SOON! Prayers for good health and easy delivery. Has been a hard pregnancy.
  • All of the innocent victims of war. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer!
  • A wife in hospital out of town; praying for recovery from emergency surgery; prayers she can return to Knoxville soon!
  • Friends who are going through difficult times
  • A member recovering from surgery
  • A wife grieving the death of her husband; prayers for comfort
  • A member’s husband whose lung cancer has spread; prayers that the markers will reveal appropriate treatment.
  • A member who has auto-immune diseases and is dealing with stress of illness of husband; prayers for her to stay positive and healthy.
  • Continued healing and strength for a husband/father as he recovers from procedures and treatments
  • A couple praying and hoping for a baby
  • Those who are caring for aging parents and the struggles in relationships that occur
  • Comfort & peace for good friend/neighbor facing loss of husband after extended illness
  • Those who are battling fires in Anderson, Campbell, and Morgan Counties
  • For those having surgeries this week
  • For our youth group – especially the 30+ who are attending the Spiritual Life Advance this weekend. Praying for the 10+ adults who are going with them. Prayers for spiritual enrichment!

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • A good visit over the weekend with our children
  • “All the Saints” and a beautiful service last Sunday
  • Completion of radiation treatments
  • Being able to come to church after a long illness

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 – November 1, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 1, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

O God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob …. 

We often begin our prayers recalling our spiritual roots began before the birth of Jesus 

O God, Creator of the Universe … 

We often begin our prayers recalling your love and desire for humans began before there were any names to call. 

O God, Revealed to us in Jesus Christ … 

We often begin our prayers acknowledging that You and the Savior are One. 

O God, whose Holy Spirit hovers over us and in us …. 

We often begin our prayers acknowledging the mystery of your omnipresence 

 

But now, O God, we will just leave it at that: O God. 

O God, who understand the limits of our language. And the complexities. And the tyranny. 

If we say God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob … some will hear we are making a political statement about Israel;  

If we say God of the Universe, some will hear that we do not believe you are involved in our daily living; 

If we say God who is in Jesus, some will think we are excluding prayers for those who do not call on the name of Jesus. 

O God … how did even prayer become so weighted and measured and suspect? 

How about …. O God, who knows the name of every child. 

Surely that is a way we can all begin our prayer. O God ….  

You know the name the name of every child who has died in war or from illness or violence or hunger. 

You know the name of every child who is afraid. 

You know the name of every child who is struggling at school 

You know the name of every child who has experienced joy this day. 

O God, who knows our name, we pray for the children whose names we do not know. 

O God, who knows their names, we pray for the children who are close to us. 

O God, who welcomes the least of these, hear our prayers. 

We pray for all children everywhere and for these requests from our church family …. 

We pray for ….

  • Friends who are going through difficult times
  • A member recovering from surgery
  • A husband who is now under hospice care; prayers for wife and friends
  • A family grieving the death of husband/father after a long illness
  • Continued healing and strength for a husband/father as he recovers from procedures and treatments
  • A couple praying and hoping for a baby
  • Those who are caring for aging parents and the struggles in relationships that occur
  • A member recovering from emergency surgery out of town; may she regain her strength!
  • The violence to stop in our world! We pray for peace in all the world. Dear God, please take the hate out of people’s hearts!
  • A couple managing  the ups and downs of living with dementia and adjusting to new medications.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • A college student who is having a good semester and has come such a long way; thankful for parents and support group
  • Scientists who do research that brings healing to our bodies and hope for our world
  • My Sunday School class
  • Granddaughter is recovering from surgery
  • That a young father/husband is back home with family

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 – October 25, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 25, 2023

Rev. Tim Best

O God over all creation,

We give you thanks for the mercies of this day. As we come to the end of the day we look back with gratitude. For the bright and happy moments today, we praise you and give you thanks. For those who have had days of great joy and blessing, we give you thanks.

Thankfulness doesn’t come easily when we have a bad day, or find ourselves in deep sadness or grief. Give us eyes to see your steadfast presence, the mercies you have provided even those who have struggled or suffered today. The Psalmist extolls your majesty and the ways you have crafted and even now sustain all creation. Make us mindful that not only do we set our eyes upon your handiwork when we gaze upon the world, but that we are your beloved creatures.

We are thankful, O God, because we know that when we are burdened and suffering we can offer up to you the whisperings of our hearts. As we join together in prayer this evening, we ask for your mercy to embrace all those who suffer, those who are ill, and those in any sort of trouble. Grant them your peace and enfold them with your grace.

We are particularly mindful for the sufferings of all those who know war and violence today. We pray for the conflict in Israel and Gaza. We pray for Ukraine, and we pray for all those places whose names we do not know, but where violence and death are at work. We pray for our enemies. We pray for all those who sit in authority over the nations. Speak to and guide them so that your will may be done in the world. Make us ambassadors of your peace in our daily living that we might witness to the peace and justice of your kingdom.

O God, your steadfast love does endure forever. Awaken in each of us an awareness to your steadfastness of love and grace. Shape our lives that we might be filled with the joy of being disciples of Jesus Christ. Where fail, correct us. When we miss the mark, bring us closer to you. When our own pride gets in the way of faithful obedience, mercifully guide us to repentance and renewal. With overflowing thankfulness and trust in your steadfast love, we offer these concerns to you now:

We pray for …

  • A mother who will probably be starting dialysis soon
  • Doctors who are running scans and scopes on a member, hoping to find answers as to what is happening post-cancer treatments. 
  • A couple traveling to Alabama for funeral for a cousin; praying for the one who will officiate. Prayers of thanksgiving (and safe travels) as they go to KY for a wedding. Prayers for family gatherings and all the emotions they bring!
  • Healing from cancer
  • An aunt who is under hospice care due to lung cancer
  • Parents who are hurting for their children and seeking guidance; prayers for children who are facing obstacles at school. 
  • Wife of a nephew; that medical diagnosis is accurate and can bring healing
  • A sister who is looking for new caregiver for her brother-in-law; praying for release from stree
  • Prayers for a colleague in the death of his friend
  • A son who has been deployed to Middle East
  • A son dealing with addiction issues
  • A father as he prepares for back surgery
  • One in the hospital out of town; prayers that he may come home soon

We give thanks for ….

  • Friends and relatives who care for children when parents must be away
  • Successful surgery for a grandmother
  • Church members who reached out to help in a crisis situation
  • All that we learned at Parish Health Ministry Team conference; thankful for a church who cares about what people are going through
  • Precious memories
  • Two members who have had heart surgery and are healing so well!

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray that prayer that he 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 – October 18, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 18, 2023

Rev. Rick Isbell

O good and gracious God in whom we move and have our being, we come before you this morning with great thanksgiving for all your blessings in our lives. We give thanks for the love of our family and friends. We give thanks for the wonder and beauty of your creation with its richness of colors in this fall season. We give thanks for the ministry and witness of this congregation within and beyond its walls to those who need to hear, feel and see the love God in their lives. Thank you God for the many ways you come to us in the busyness of our lives. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

But most of all we give thanks for the gift of your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ who came into the world to show us how to live, what’s most important, and how we should treat our neighbor. And he died on a cross to save all humanity from their sins. But he did not stay on the cross and he did not stay in the grave. For He rose to conquer sin, death and darkness forever. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

O, triune God, we humbly ask that your Holy Spirit stir our lives in a way that will enable us to share your love in new and creative ways. Tune our hearts that we might do your will even when it is difficult and inconvenient. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

O, God of all nations, this morning we see the horror and feel the pain of the Israeli and Palestinian people. In a time of war, we pray for families who have lost loved ones tragically. We see the mass destruction and loss of human lives and cannot imagine what persons are going through in the Middle East. As we sit in our pews we pray for justice, peace, healing, and reconciliation in a time of great unrest. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

As we pray for those at war, we also pray for our own nation and community. We pray for understanding, honesty, justice and love between those who differ with one another. Help us to be unselfish in our own desires in order to hear and understand the hearts of our sisters and brothers. We pray for those in our own congregation who are going through difficult times in their health, relationships or jobs.

We offer prayers for ….

  • A father’s member who is in ICU far away from family and friends
  • A member’s husband whose cancer has returned
  • The innocent and frightened people in Gaza and all over the world who live with violence
  • President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu; for safety of world leaders as they meet; for Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
  • A young woman who has lost her job and is seeking employment
  • Members who are undergoing tests and facing new regimens of medications
  • A sister who is caregiver for her husband and who is also looking for a job
  • Families who are attending funerals and graveside services this week.
  • A woman who is feeling threatened at work
  • A grandmother having knee replacement surgery
  • Third graders who learned of a classmate’s death over fall break
  • Older elementary students who are facing complex issues at school
  • A college student who is struggling under a heavy load; financial concerns
  • A grandchild who is with family out of the country and is ill.
  • A friend waiting on test results
  • A member adjusting to new home at an independent living facility

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • A church member who feels well enough travel after cancer treatments
  • Friends who were traveling in Europe who have arrived home safely.
  • The group from First Baptist Church (Knoxville) who has returned from trip to Holy Land
  • God’s Holy Spirit and grace who relieves us from guilt
  • Living near the Smoky Mountains and how beautiful they are! Thanks be to God!
  • Congregational Care volunteers who visit in nursing homes

As One who knows our thoughts and desires before we speak them, we lift these our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord 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.

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Weekly Prayer – October 11, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 11, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

Lament. It is the word on our hearts, O God. Lament. Usually spoken when there are no words – or, at least, no words that make sense. 

Israel. Gaza. Hamas. Palestine. We are horrified by the images and videos. We are frightened for loved ones who are there and for all of the innocent citizens we can only imagine. We cringe at the number of people killed and the number held hostage … regardless of nationality, we cringe at the number. 

We turn to our scripture and read from Lamentations … 

How lonely sits the city
    that once was full of people!
How like a widow she has become,
    she that was great among the nations!
She that was a princess among the provinces
    has become subject to forced labor. 

She weeps bitterly in the night,
    with tears on her cheeks; (Lam 1:1-2)
 

We read from the Psalms …. 

Lord, you are the God who saves me;
    day and night I cry out to you.
2 May my prayer come before you;
    turn your ear to my cry. 

3 I am overwhelmed with troubles
    and my life draws near to death. (Psalm 88:1-3) 

We are frightened and horrified. Scared and disgusted. We pray for action, we pray for justice, we pray for mercy, and then realize we are so far removed (at least most of us are) and feel helpless in our prayers. 

We again turn to scriptures, 

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (Romans 8:26) 

Do you lament, as well, O God? Are your groanings for the lives of innocents; are your groanings for the misguided ways of greed and hatred? Do you groan at violence? Forgive us when we move too quickly from lament to revenge; from admitting our helplessness to seeking security in fleeting strength. Let nothing bring us security other than knowing you are with us. 

We lament.  

We pray for President Biden, for Prime Minister Netanyahu, and for all leaders who are working together to bring a resolution. We lament. We hope. We pray for military personnel and for the work that they must do. We pray for their safety. Lord, have mercy. We do not want war; yet, we pray about war. Lord, have mercy. 

And then, O God, our own heartaches and our own situations interrupt our prayers. Sometimes we feel guilty for praying for ourselves or for a neighbor ‘when there are atrocities in the world.’ We pray with the Psalmist, “who are we, that you are even mindful of us?” 

But yet, you hear all of our prayers. Prayers of thanksgiving for a joyful Fall Break! Prayers for a neighbor’s family in the midst of illness and grief. Prayers for a spouse grieving for their partner. Prayers of thanksgiving for a good check-up and prayers of thanksgiving for good medical care. Prayers of hope for a grandchild who is trying out for a play. Prayers of hope for a sister looking for a job. 

Thank you, O God, for hearing our prayers, and for groaning with us. Knowing that you hear our muddled cries and our articulate praises at the same time brings us an assurance. We take a deep breath. We lament, we weep, we hold those we love, we hurt for our neighbors and hope for our friends. Thank you for this gift of prayer.  

We pray for …

  • A member undergoing cancer treatments and the toll it takes physically
  • A friend moving into independent living 
  • A mother going from hospital to skilled care
  • A friend who has had complications after heart surgery
  • Law enforcement officers
  • A member whose husband died unexpectedly; for the whole family – children and grandchildren
  • Peace. 
  • World leaders to come together with reason and peace
  • Neighbors and friends from First Baptist Church, Knoxville, who arrived in Israel the day before the attacks. Prayers as they make plans to get home safely.
  • Those who are grieving loss of loved ones
  • A sister to find a job
  • One who has been laid off from work

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • Healing after surgery
  • Help with plans for transition from hospital to rehab 
  • Being with family during Fall Break!

You told us when we pray, pray like this: 

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 – October 4, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 4, 2023

Steve Richardson*

*Italicized excerpts are from “God of Grace and God of Glory,” hymn #577, written by Harry Emerson Fosdick

God of grace and God of glory … free our hearts to work and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.

Holy God, thank you for these moments to focus our minds on your unconditional love, blessings and guidance; and on awareness of needs of others.

We come to you humbly. You remain steadfast in welcoming and embracing us in our relationship with you. But we, in turn, haven’t reciprocated very well.  We find it too easy to let distractions of our culture and society divert our attention from your calls to love and serve one another. Instead, we find ourselves drawn to other callings often rooted in self-interest. And then there are those times we simply shrug our shoulders and turn away in apathy. Forgive us, Lord. God of grace…shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom…lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.

We mourn with victims of violence in our very community (as well as across the world). The ripples of anguish from such losses and the subsequent fears stretch far and wide. Cure thy children’s warring madness…Grant us wisdom – – wisdom of ways and acts of love which originate with you and that deliver us from evil.

We’re grateful to be a part of Church Street United Methodist Church. It’s easy in conversation to claim it as “our” church, but we truly know it is your church, God. (Thank you for sharing it with us!)  As we think about the near- and longer-term future for Church Street, open our minds and hearts to be even more supportive of this community of grace with our gifts, our service and our prayers. Crown your ancient church’s story; bring her bud to glorious flower.

We pray with gratitude for our clergy and church staff, whose daily commitments to service foster a safe, welcoming and sacred space for worship, mission, learning and spiritual growth.

We pray with thankfulness, too, for all those who volunteer in your church’s missions and ministries. Their work extends your support and grace among people in our community and membership.

As they navigate unknown and uncertain seas of their daily living, buoy all caregivers and care receivers with your renewing resilience. And among people outside the throes of caregiving, inspire all to discover ways to support those who do this challenging work.

This upcoming week will be school systems’ “fall break” for many children, youth and their families in our area.  We pray that these opportunities of families’ added time together with loved ones and friends will be meaningful, uplifting and spiritually enriching. We pray, too, for their safety and their physical and mental wellbeing.

God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power. Each and every day, God, help us sense and share your unconditional love. Through your granting of wisdom and courage, move us to respond with grace to others, just as you always do for us.  And with faith in your omnipotence, we ask that you receive and respond to these important prayer requests from congregation members and neighbors:

We offer prayers for ….

  • A 92-year old grandfather who fell and broke a rib; prayers for comfort and healing
  • All of those in hospitals
  • A mother who had surgery earlier in the week; prayers for healing 
  • A couple getting married this weekend
  • A man dealing with grief after the death of his mother for whom he was the sole caregiver
  • Families still waiting on repairs to be made to home and property after storm several weeks ago
  • A wife in  hospice care
  • A husband waiting to go home from hospital
  • A member transitioning from rehab to long-term skilled nursing care
  • A friend having open heart surgery
  • A son grieving after father’s death
  • A wife who had surgery two weeks ago; prayers for continued healing.
  • A member whose family has asked for prayers as doctors make adjustments and offer hope
  • Those who are seeking recovery from addiction
  • A member who is having major abdominal surgery soon; prayers for healing
  • A young mother diagnosed with breast cancer; prayers for her and her family as they await further diagnostics and surgery
  • A husband dealing with blood clots and new medications
  • The family of the Knox County Sheriff’s deputy who was killed; for all involved

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …..

  • All the animals who came to be blessed last Sunday!
  • Our clergy – active and retired – during this Pastor Appreciation Month and ALWAYS!!
  • For my Sunday School Class who has expressed so much love.
  • A member’s successful open heart surgery! Prayers of continued strength and healing! Prayers of thanksgiving for a supportive and loving family and community.

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 – September 27, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of September 27, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance*

A portion of today’s prayer was written by Bishop Ken Carter, UMC.

As we prepare for Blessing of the Animals Sunday …..

O God, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen: You place us in your creation, and you command us to care for it. As we look forward to Sunday and the blessing of the animals, we are mindful that they are your creatures – not ours – that we are to care for them.

In your great mercy you call us to care for all of creation,
to uphold one another, and to pray for your world.
Hear our prayers for the healing of the earth.

Your works declare glory and splendor, and you call us to praise and reverence.

Where we have degraded or destroyed earth’s bounty, forgive us.

Where we have taken beauty and majesty for granted, have mercy upon us.

Where we have become estranged from the creatures with whom we share this planet, have mercy upon us.

Renew us in the waters of baptism, refresh us with the winds of your spirit, and sustain us with the bread of life.

You have created us to be in community and so we offer prayers for those in our families, our neighborhoods, and circles of friends. For those who are struggling may they know your peace; for those who are sick, may they know your healing. As we pray for those near and dear to us, we know it is you desire for our circles to grow wider, to embrace others. As we reach for those we know so well, may our arms embrace those we would call stranger. Your Spirit transforms us into neighbors and friends.

With confidence that you hear our prayers, we offer ourselves for your good purposes,
watching and waiting for the healing of your creation as we work toward your coming reign.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior 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.

We offer prayers for …..

  • Those who are learning to live with new medications and adjustments to lifestyle and health
  • A father and husband awaiting heart surgery; thanksgivings for skilled surgeon and good plan forward!
  • A neighbor in the hospital; thankful for all of the good medical care
  • One who is choosing to live well in the midst of cancer
  • A mother in the hospital
  • A member who is making decisions about long-term care
  • Those who are grieving loss of spouse and who are feeling lost
  • Continued healing for a husband who is home from hospital
  • A brother who had pacemaker
  • A family grieving the loss of beloved aunt
  • Families making decisions about hospice and palliative care and next steps
  • A couple who desperately wants to have a baby and, so far, has been unable to conceive
  • A daughter at Children’s Hospital who has sepsis
  • For a child who is struggling at school; prayers for parents as they discern how to intervene (or not)
  • Peace and an end to violence in Ukraine.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • Medical screenings that provide good reports and for those that provide clear answers for next steps
  • That radiation treatments for a father are manageable; close to daughter’s home. PET scan clear! Thankful for the feeling of relief!
  • Those who are preparing for wedding ceremonies but also for the lifelong commitment
  • For the volunteers at Ladies Lunch & Learn and the wonderful fellowship
  • For Pastor Walter’s sermon last Sunday. Thankful for his ABILITY!

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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