BINDING SOUL AND SOURCE
Prayers for the Church Street Family
September 1, 2020
Rev. Dr. Jan Buxton Wade
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
If only, if only . . . Lord, we too often fall into the habit of reducing our problems to one single element. If only my parents had been more loving; if only I could have afforded college; if only my spouse hadn’t left me; if only that disease had not overtaken me; if only I could have received that promotion. We spend our lives feeding that one thing that has clouded all our days. Though it is difficult, help us to understand that life, in all its complexities, cannot be reduced to one single influence. We live in the Now. And you are here with us, offering your assurance: “It is never too late for a new beginning.”
God of Newness, hear our prayer.
As we begin this day, you know, O Lord, that there will be instances that will test us, and that our weaknesses may again overtake us. In hastiness, we may speak that unkind or untrue word. In our confusion, we may err in our judgment. In our fatigue we may make victims of friends and loved ones. And though our day may be marked by false steps, we pray you would redeem whatever we do amiss and repurpose it for the greater good. And if that old “if only” mantra runs through our minds again, set us free to turn down the volume, through your miraculous grace.
God of Newness, hear our prayer.
Thank you, Good Lord, for your continued concern for our church family during these anxious times. We bring again our trials and pain to your doorstep of mercy, as you have so invited us to do. But as you breathe your newness into our pain, also receive the breath of gratitude we ourselves offer, for your mighty works have not gone unnoticed:
- Gratitude for prayers: a member’s depression is lifting
- Prayers appreciated: Two surgeries today were successful
- Gratitude: young burn victim is home from the hospital
- Thankful that member with long-term illness is regaining strength
- Gratitude: an elderly mother slated to return home from rehab
- Member gives thanks that a medical setback has been overcome
- 2 NICU babies are gaining weight, but continued prayers please
- Prayers: family with Covid-19, healing of multiple complications
- Member at Vanderbilt awaiting at-risk childbirth on Wednesday
- Comfort for family burying a beloved father & grandfather today
- Continued prayers for safety: family members living in Kenosha, WI
- Hope & healing for 2 members – cancer-related pain & nausea
- Prayers for one seeking peace from extreme anxiety & depression
- Relief of anxiety for one facing court proceeding, for dismissal of case
- Prayers for healing: 2 fathers with Covid-19, safety for their families
- A young relative & family, searching for effective cancer meds
- Healing of dear friend diagnosed with auto-immune disease
- Prayers for mother in assisted living, in very weak condition
- Daughter whose father enters hospice care today; that all goes well
God of Newness, hear our prayer.
Strengthened by the Spirit, grant that we might rise to serve Christ this day, setting aside our old ways, and singing the song of the God of New Beginnings:
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.
