Weekly Prayer – 01/07/2026

Week of January 7, 2026

Rev. Catherine Nance

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It is customary at the beginning of a new year for United Methodists to pray the Covenant Prayer written by John Wesley (1780). As you can imagine the language sounds … 1780ish. Rev. Jeremy Smith offers a contemporary version which still reflects Wesley’s intent. You can go here to read the original wording and to learn more about the Covenant Prayer. Rev. Smith’s prayer is offered tonight for us to share as we begin 2026.

I am not my own self-made, self-reliant human being.
In truth, O God, I am Yours.
Make me into what You will.
Make me a neighbor with those whom You will.
Guide me on the easy path for You.
Guide me on the rocky road for You.
Whether I am to step up for You or step aside for You;
Whether I am to be lifted high for You or brought low for You;
Whether I become full or empty, with all things or with nothing;
I give all that I have and all that I am for You.
So be it.
And may I always remember that you, O God, and I belong to each other. Amen.

Gracious God, as we begin a new year together, we covenant to pray for our the needs of our world as well as the needs of our church members who have shared the following concerns and praises …..

We pray for ….

• A member whose job is presenting frustrating challenges; causing mental stress and depression.
• A member who has been through cancer treatments and awaiting more decisions from medical team.
• A member who is facing surgery for cancer; may they feel God’s peace.
• Our homeless neighbors
• A member’s neighbors whose home burned over the holidays; prayers of thanksgiving that no one was hurt. Prayers for strength and quick restoration as they have lost home and all possessions.
• A member’s cousin who is waiting on kidney transplant.
• Those who are grieving; especially those preparing for funerals this week and next.
• Those who are sick with flu; may they rest and regain strength and health!

We continue to pray for …

• A member’s brother who is in hospital awaiting heart and kidney transplant
• Friends and family who have needs; prayers for peace and wellbeing.
• A couple hoping for pregnancy
• A member and her sister as they continue to make decisions for their mother
• Those members who are waiting on test results or waiting for appointments with doctors; may they feel your peace and patience as they wait.

We give thanks for ….

• Birth of a healthy great niece!

We offer these petitions in the name of Jesus Christ and close with the prayer Christ taught us, 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.