BINDING SOUL AND SOURCE
Prayers for the Church Street Family
September 21, 2020
Rev. Dr. Jan Buxton Wade
O Spirit Wind of Liberation, it seems that we are all tied down in one way or another. Some of us are bound to the past, stuck between the questions of “Why?” and “If Only.” If we could only revisit those earlier times, we think, we would make better choices, even make amends to those we’ve harmed. Others of us are held captive by smoldering anger that has lived within us so many years that we feel we would evaporate without those embers burning in our bellies. And there are others living in the chains of illness, loneliness, or poverty. Breathe that cool wind of newness upon us, Good Lord, and unleash the fetters that block our vision of what might still be possible. Heal these wounds, both emotional and physical, we pray, that we might once again sing of our rebirth!
Holy Spirit, deliver us.
On this International Day of Peace, we look to you as our Source and Center, realizing how we have strayed from your holy vision. We confess that we have spoken words that provoked discord and prejudice. It is true that we have viewed with indifference the hungry and the homeless and we have acted pridefully, as if we ourselves were the center of the universe. Forgive us for not standing up for freedom, for not speaking openly for reconciliation. You have taught us to forgive our enemies, but we freely admit that we have failed in this effort, as well. Deliver us from all our offenses, for they have marred our souls and have bruised your own heart. Reclaim the center stage of our lives, we pray, that others will see the Prince of Peace guiding all our aims.
Holy Spirit, deliver us.
Embracing One, despite our erring ways, we know you hold us fast. Throughout these days of insecurity, most of the time our steps are shaky; still we feel your arm around us, holding us steady as we move through the fog of illness, rancor, job insecurity, and political confusion. You have never let us down, but offer strength sufficient to endure. Enfold us securely, we pray, in your gracious vitality that never fails to reassure us. And remember these members of our church family who also share their specific concerns:
- Grateful: Medical personnel and first responders who continue to fight the good fight on behalf of the hurting everywhere
- Thankful that family in Nashville are much improved from virus
- Gratitude: prayers of support were felt by bereaved family
- Thanksgiving for unexpected birthday visit of adult son
- Gratitude for prayers: college student’s knee surgery went well
- Prayers for mother who has had a setback in cancer treatment
- Clearing of smoke for families in CA & WA, breathing difficult
- Prayers for family grieving the death of beloved wife & mother
- Prayers for 3 young persons studying for the bar exam
- Young mother-to-be, that baby may arrive healthy
- Healing of our nation
- All dealing with loss due to wildfires & tropical storms
- NICU baby is stronger, but pray his heart will function normally
- Lifting of anxiety & depression for 2 members who live alone
- Prayers that rampant hunger be eliminated in our community
- Precious child & parents involved in custody hearings
- Healing mercies for friend: full recovery from rectal surgery
Forever Friend, look with favor upon each one who seeks your face and calls upon your name this day. Our knowledge of you is scant, but one day the fog will clear and your glory will be made evident. Until that time, your promises revealed through the life of Christ are sufficient for all who continue to offer his prayer:
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.
