Weekly Prayer – 01/21/2026

Week of January 21, 2026

Rev. Amber Lloyd

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Holy One,

Our hearts are filled with a new song for you this day. We praise you for your everlasting faithfulness, your steadfast love day after day. Your grace goes before us, illuminating our steps and shining light in the dark places of our hearts. Your people at Church Street cry together today, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. Heaven and earth are full of your glory!”

O God, we lift these cries with the angels and the saints in heaven, but we admit that sometimes our belief is shallow and tepid. We believe that you are God, that you sent your son, that your Spirit is with us. But our belief is merely an intellectual assent. We withhold our trust because it is easier to trust in ourselves. We guard ourselves against your conviction and direction because we don’t want to be changed. We want just enough transformation for self-improvement, but you desire more for us. You would have us be new creations in Christ. God, forgive us when we don’t trust you. Help our unbelief.

For those among us who face illness, unemployment, discrimination, or grief, we ask for the strength and comfort of your Spirit. For our neighbors experiencing homelessness and hunger, we ask for your protection and peace. Bless our enemies, Lord, and bring reconciliation between us and them. We ask these things knowing that, as your people in this world, we will seek to build your Kingdom on earth. By the power of your Spirit, may we be sources of strength and comfort, protection and peace, reconciliation and grace.

Hear our supplications, O God, as we list the concerns of our congregation and community:

We pray for ….

• A grandbaby in the hospital recovering from respiratory complications. Doing better today but prayers for strength and healing still appreciated!
• A member in the death of her cousin’s husband who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer; prayers for his wife and children. Giving thanks for a close-knit family and community.
• A member who is in hospital for pulmonary embolism. 
• A father hospitalized due to complications from flu & pneumonia.
• A 43-year old nephew who is having surgery today to put in a pump for a muscle relaxer to treat his Cerebral Palsy. Prayers for all those in Baltimore who are tending to him.
• A wife and mother meeting with oncologist tomorrow; prayers for clarity and a clear path forward for treatment and healing.
• A friend from out of town who ended up having open heart surgery at UT last week. Those who are grieving, especially those preparing for funerals this week and next.
• A family leaving on a celebratory trip to Costa Rica next week; prayers for safety and lots of good memories!
• A Sunday School class seeking increased wisdom; prayers for members who are struggling with workplace issues.
• Spouses who are caring for their spouse; the toil of caregiving and the feeling of isolation. Prayers for mercy and strength.

We continue to pray for …

• A friend from out of town who had open heart surgery at UT last week; prayers of thanksgiving for continued healing. 
• A member’s cousin who is waiting on kidney transplant.
• Friends and family who have needs; prayers for peace and wellbeing.
• Our homeless neighbors
• 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.
• Those who are sick with flu; may they rest and regain strength and health!

We give thanks for ….

• Volunteers who have helped welcome our homeless neighbors on cold nights.
• The good coordination and communication between Office on Housing Stability, Cokesbury UMC, Eternal Life Harvest Church, ReLaunch, and Church Street UMC as we provide overnight shelter; and for Vestal UMC who supports during the day.
• All the things our family has; we want to be grateful and generous and not take anything for granted! We commit to giving and doing more. Thank you, God!

We give thanks for your son, Jesus Christ, and pray together these words which Christ 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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