Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of December 7, 2022

Rev. Catherine Nance*

It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,  

from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:  

“Peace on the earth, good will to all, from heaven’s all gracious King.”  

The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing. 

The night sky is rainy tonight – not exactly ‘the midnight clear,’ O God. But, you are God of all of the nights. The ones that are stormy, the ones that are clear; the sleepless ones and the late ones. O Lord, we do want to rest tonight. We want to hear angels sing and we want “peace on earth,” to be our last thoughts for this evening. However, O God who hears our sighing along with the angels singing, you know what is filling our minds with noise. Worry. Deadlines. Concerns about the world and heartache for those near and dear to us. In this time of prayer, O God, in this moment of choosing to pray, may we sit for a moment in solemn stillness …may we listen for your breath, your angels. We pray that those we love may feel your peace and stillness this very moment. 

Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled, 

 and still their heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world;  

above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing,  

and ever oe’r its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing. 

We know that as the sky moves from dusk to evening to midnight to dawn, your Breath, your Spirit, your messengers, your angels continue to be with us. Even when we turn away from you – whether by sleep or by decisive actions, you continue to come to us. Tune our ears O Composer of Life, that we might hear your singing above any other noise: the scripts we play over and over in our heads telling us who we SHOULD be, the voices who are telling us we need MORE, the culture who tells us we are not relevant, and any other babble that seeks to gain our attention. Let us hear your voice as you bend towards us. 

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low, 

 who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow, 

Look now! For glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing.  

O rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing! 

When we listen to your messengers and to your heart, O God, we are prompted to look towards others. Our hearts are heavy but full of prayers for those who are toiling, whose lives are so difficult. Whether they are soldiers in a far off land, EMTs on local roads, teachers doing their very best, parents struggling to ‘make Christmas,’ leaders striving to do the right thing, caregivers who feel tied to a bedside, and so many more. We pray that in the morning they may awake with renewed hope; that they hear the angels sing! 

For lo! The days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old,  

when with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold  

when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling,  

and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.  

Having spent time in prayer to you and with you, O God of the nighttime, may we feel the assurance of a solemn stillness. You are with us. We are not alone. You bend towards us and hear our prayers …. 

Church friends have asked for prayers for….

• Help for teachers with difficult classes and workloads.
• A brother just diagnosed with colon cancer; prayers for upcoming surgery
• Members of other United Methodist churches who are dealing with disaffiliation process
• Families going through transition; caregivers moving away and making decisions for other family members in chronic health situations
• Members who have been diagnosed with Covid and flu; prayers for safety and recovery
• A daughter and son-in-law hoping for pregnancy; for all those dealing with fertility concerns during this season especially.
• Friends and family who are dealing with chronic health concerns; the caregivers
• Those who are waiting on tests and follow up appointments
• That insurance company will work with a family
• A mother who is in hospital after a fall

Our church family offers prayers of thanksgiving for….

• A son who has worked hard and is being recognized by his industry
• Adult children who are content
• A wonderful Advent Craft Fair. Thankful for all of the volunteers and the families who attended!
• Clear report on blood tests
• A daughter-in-law who has found a job!
• A church member’s successful back surgery
• Members who have been able to leave hospital and rehab and go back to assisted living facilities

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 23, 2022

Rev. Catherine Nance

It is the evening before ….. 

The evening before “Thanksgiving Day.” 

O God who knows us and loves us and understands what is in our hearts – even when we feel our hearts are a jumbled mess…. Hear our prayers. 

Where to start? 

We know we are to pray for the world and to pray for those who are hungry. And we do. We have given offerings for thanksgiving baskets (did I send in that $70.00, Lord?) and we helped fill boxes and bags (what was the name of that new person? She seemed shy but glad to help. Lord, help me remember her name. I hope she’ll come back to church). 

Lord, we pray for those who are hungry. We pray that all of the places who are serving meals tomorrow will have plenty and everyone who is looking for a place finds one. Thank you God for those churches and community centers who are serving turkey and dressing tomorrow. We pray that those who sit around the tables will feel blessed. Thank you for those who have signed up to help; they are angels on earth! (What day did they need help at the Soup Kitchen next month? I was going to call. Help me remember to call, O Lord!) For those who are eating in a hospital room or ICU waiting room … dear Lord, I cannot bear to think of them. Lord, have mercy. May they feel some sense of community on a lonely day.   

We give thanks for our families who will be gathering and pray for safe travels for all who are on the road. Lord, please help everyone use good judgment and be safe. (Is it possible to bless an interstate, Lord? Please watch over my loved ones on I-40. Why do people drive so fast? Dear God, please remind me to stop and get gas when I go to Kroger early in the morning) 

Be with all of us as we gather. Help us to focus on gratitude and not get into conversations about things that do not matter. Oh Lord, you have given us plenty to eat this day. (Dear God, please remind us that we do not need to talk about the difference between being a vegetarian and a vegan!) Help us welcome everyone at your table. 

Oh Lord, as we make preparations, we are mindful of the people who will not be here tomorrow. The family member who chooses not to come, the one who could not afford to travel, the one who is in rehab, the one who just started a new job …. May we not judge their reasons but remember to call later. We pray that those who are not ‘with us’ will find somewhere meaningful to be. (Or, that they find meaning this day. Oh God, my heart breaks when I think how things will be different this year. Is there something I could have done differently? How do I help? Help me know how to reach out.) 

We remember those who have died; we talk about the empty seat O God. Help us imagine loved ones at your heavenly banquet. May memories sustain us; may we not be overcome with guilt and grief but focus on this day and giving thanks for possibilities of memories for those who are here. (Lord, I am crying now; please don’t let me cry tomorrow; I do not want anyone to know how sad I am.) 

God who cares about everyone, I can hardly think about eating when I think of mamas and daddies not having their children with them this year. Those young men in Virginia, the students in Idaho, those innocent folks in Colorado Springs. (Lord, I cannot remember the other cities; but you know O Lord. I feel so guilty that I cannot call each tragedy to mind. But I pray for those mamas and daddies.) 

O Lord, it is the night before Thanksgiving Day and we hope for a beautiful and glorious day. You have heard our prayers and our rambling. Forgive us, O Lord, for our distracted thoughts. But, you know our hearts and know that what often distracts is what we need to say aloud to you. For all of your good gifts, O God, we give you thanks. For hearing ALL of our prayers and jumbled mess, and loving us still, we are most grateful. 

We pray for ….

• A granddaughter who had knee surgery this past week in Wisconsin; prayers for healing and good rehab. Thankful for a good report from doctor!
• A family in the death of their brother; prayers for comfort as funeral is planned for next week
• A child in ICU at Children’s Hospital with severe head trauma; things do not look hopeful. We pray for God’s spirit to be present to all of the family in the way each needs.
• People who suffer from extreme anxiety and other mental health issues. We pray for understanding and no judgment. Prayers for family members who are doing their best to support loved ones. 
• Families and friends affected by hate crime and violence in Colorado Springs. We pray for LGBTQ persons and that we would welcome and include them. 
• A niece in Los Angeles looking for a job
• A woman who stopped by the church yesterday to ask for prayer before heading to her new job across the street. Prayers that God will calm her anxiety and help her focus on tasks at hand.
• Families of victims killed in the shooting in Chesapeake, VA. Lord, have mercy …

We continue to pray for ….

• Two church members who are under hospice care; giving thanks for faith in God. Thankful for supportive families
• Those who are caregivers and those who are making difficult decisions.
• Those who are in rehabilitation after a fall and/or surgery
• Those who are weary with chronic illnesses and those whose bodies are ‘wearing out.’
• A member who is dealing with depression. We pray for so many who deal with depression – who want to be at church and with family, but just cannot make that happen.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

• A mazing volunteers this past Sunday with the Thanksgiving blitz
• A family reunion; first time together since 2019!
• Chemotherapy that is having positive effects
• RETIREMENT!! Looking forward to what God has in store with new freedom of schedule. Thankful for loving co-workers who will be missed.
• Scans that show improvement

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 9, 2022

Offering a “Prayer at the Close of the Day,” written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  

(copied from UMC Hymnal 689) 

O Lord my God, I thank thee that thou hast brought this day to its close. I think thee that thou dost give rest to body and soul. Thy hand has been over me guarding me and preserving me. 

Forgive my feeble faith and all the wrong I have done this day, and help me to forgive all who have wronged me. 

Grant that I may sleep in peace beneath thy care, and defend me from the temptations of darkness. Into thy hands I commend my loved ones, I commend this household, I commend my body and soul. 

O God, thy holy name be praised. Amen. 

We pray for ….

• A church member who is hospitalized in Nashville; prayers for his parents and brother.
• A church member with MS who is hoping to move into more suitable housing
• A long-time church member who went into skilled rehab this week to help fight an infection.
• A church member and faithful volunteer who experienced health concerns over the weekend; prayers for stability and good health.
• Prayers that the Lord will lead each of us to do the Lord’s divine purpose.
• A parent who is concerned about children’s relationship.
• Friends who are grieving and going through difficult times
• Those who are looking at  ‘next steps’ in career, education, life … praying for discernment

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

• All Saints worship and celebration! A wonderful day to begin the month of gratitude!
• A healthy grandbaby
• Successful eye surgery

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 26, 2022

Rev. Catherine Nance

Rev. Nance reminds us that our hymnal is full of prayers; mostly sung, some spoken! 

Mountains Are All Aglow (United Methodist Hymnal, 86) seems appropriate this week! 

Mountains are all aglow with autumn colors so bright; 

rivers are filled with water, giving life to our days. 

Golden fields wave their praise to God’s bountiful harvest; 

gratefully, skyward arising, hear our joyous songs of praise! 

 

Reaching far as earthly eyes can see, 

Reaching far as humble hands can toil, 

Every harvest is from our Lord; every blessing is from our God. 

Praise for the harvest, thanks to our God.  

God of creation, we imagine you with a paintbrush, touching up the colors this week. Had we noticed the dark reds earlier? When did our neighbor’s tree turn bright yellow? We are grateful for bursts of color that surprise us, take our breath away, and cause us to stop and bask in your glory. Open our eyes, widen our scope, and awaken our sight to how you are working in our world. Thank you, O God, for the beauty of the earth.  

In the morning we saw the beautiful colors and then, last night, the strong wind gave an extra push to the leaves who were waiting perhaps another week before dropping to the ground. Swirling leaves are beautiful. (We pray for safety as people drive on slick leaves; Lord, may we not be in such a hurry!) We thank you for your Spirit that will sometime gently blow and encourage us to let go; you know the time when we need a more Spirited shaking to let loose of things we dearly cling to. 

Sun and rain by the Lord’s design shall come at proper time.  

Working hard, God has given us reasons for deep gratitude.  

As we think back over the day, make us mindful – or heartful – of the reasons for deep gratitude. Perhaps we took them for granted earlier, but now at the end of the day, your paintbrush touches up our day, recalling the pleasant things, the good things. A kiss goodbye from partner or spouse heading off to work, sticky hands of children (why do we serve syrup before school?), the glorious sky, finding a lost coin, a kindness from a stranger, the just right cup of coffee, the text from an adult child, a shared meal with colleagues …. God has given us reasons for deep gratitude. 

Praise the Lord as we’re planting God’s word deep in each heart. 

God has sent sunshine and the rain so the seedlings may grow. 

Desert lands which seem barren, flowers still might bloom; 

trusting in God’s promises, our thanks to God we will show! 

Before we close our eyes for the evening, our hearts turn to those we love and those around the world who are hurting; there are so many who are sick. We are grateful for technology that reveals a more accurate diagnosis when our body or mind is hurting, but with the technology comes the burden – and gift – of options and more tests and treatments and visits to the clinic. We know that our earthly bodies will not last forever! Just as the leaves change and drop, our bodies go through changes. Some because of illness and most because of aging. Our spirits ache for those who are hurting, O God. And our spirits ache for those who care for the hurting. Where desert lands seems barren, may we trust in your promises that your life-giving spirit is always present.  

Trusting in God’s promises, our thanks to God we will show! 

We pray for ….

• Families dealing with mental health issues
• Families dealing with chronic disease
• Husband and wife making decisions about next steps in their long journey with dementia and how children can help
• A church member in hospital recovering from an infection
• Continued healing for church member recently released from hospital
• Continued prayers for one who is in great pain; may rehab bring renewed strength and healing
• A member who is awaiting news from a retina specialist
• Healing of heart when feelings have been hurt and relationships bruised

We continue to pray for …. 

• One who was in car wreck; prayers for strengthening of body
• A loved one dealing with addiction
• A church member experiencing back pain
• Caregivers; prayers particularly for a sister who lives out of town and is dealing with care of in-laws.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

• Friends who help out when I need a ride to doctor
• A grandchild who was born healthy
• All the ‘ladies in the office’ who do so much for us!

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 12, 2022

Rev. Catherine Nance

Fall Break! Praise God for Fall Break!  

O God of refreshment, you have heard that prayer from teachers, parents, students, and grandparents. Even those who are not in school sense the need for time away. 

We pray blessings on families who are able to travel. We pray for their safety. 

We pray blessings on families who could not get away because of finances or job responsibilities of parents. Dear God, may children know the joy of ‘staying home’ and getting to snack and stay up a little later. Simple pleasures; restore the goodness of simplicity to our lives! 

We pray for school administrators who may be off this week but who are already thinking about standardized testing that comes in the spring and needs for next fall. Student teachers who are trying to get assignments done and portfolios completed.  

O God of new beginnings and fresh starts, may all those returning from Fall Break feel a sense of renewal. 

This weekend is a big deal, O God! Media and all of the commotion and excitement of a football rivalry. Some are even praying, “Dear God, let us win!” We trust you are an impartial fan, God of all tribes, teams, and people! In the midst of all this fun and in the midst of all the hype, we do pause to pray for sanity and safety. We pray for young men who want to play and do not get the chance. We pray for the families of all coaches – children and spouses – who know the pressure and the lack of privacy and hear the jeers and cheers. We pray for members of marching bands who work as hard as the athletes do. It may seem silly to pray about an upcoming football game, dear God, but we do pray for all the people coming to town. Prayers for safe travels. Prayers for good judgement. Prayers to know that these young men on the field – whether wearing orange or crimson – are sons of parents who work hard and are proud. Bless us all! 

Dear God, who stirs up in us the volunteer spirit, we want to say thank you for volunteers in our church. Greeters, ushers, choir members, teachers; folks who come early to plug in coffee pot and to make sure Sunday School is ready. We pray for churches everywhere this weekend, that it will be a good day of worship and fellowship in your Holy Spirit. 

As our eyes move from our own church and our own city to the rest of your world, we pray desperately for the madness in Ukraine to stop. We are bold to pray for your intervention, O God! We know that you desire peace in your world. We hurt for soldiers of any uniform who are tired, hungry, and longing for home. May each of us be a beacon of light and peace wherever we are this weekend. 

We offer the following petitions on behalf of our members …. 

We pray for ….

• Church member whose father died; so thankful all of his children were able to be with him as he peacefully slipped into Eternal Light and Love.
• A member who was in a minor car accident and is dealing with the pain and healing of a broken sternum. May she feel God’s presence.
• A member who has been hospitalized and is waiting to go to rehab.
• A member who fell and shattered hip; prayers for encouragement and wellbeing as she prepares to go to rehab.
• A church member’s husband will have another scan soon; prayers that it will show he is still in remission! 
• A young man whose wife just died is now in the hospital with heart issues. Prayers that he can feel God’s strength and healing presence even amidst such grief.
• A member’s nephew who serves in the Coast Guard and was involved in an accident while repelling from a helicopter. Thankful for successful knee surgery! Prayers for continued healing and strength in the three-month rehab.
• A Sunday School teacher who seeks God’s wisdom each week in how to share and what God wants her to teach.
• A member’s husband in the death of his father … prayers for peace.

We continue to pray for ….

• Member whose beloved dog died in cabin fire; everything destroyed. Prayers for emotional healing during such grief.
• Members who continue to move through grief after deaths of spouses, parents, children, and, friends….
• Brother of a member whose livestock and barn were destroyed in a fire in Illinois.

We give thanks for …..

• A member who was released from rehab and has returned to her home!
• Successful surgeries in the past weeks and continued healing!
• A beloved husband, father, and grandfather who is celebrating ten years of being cancer free!
• Rest! Fall break was so needed for this family! Thank you God for change of scenery!
• Blessing of the Animals! Thankful for the special love and grace that our pets show us!