Week of April 1, 2026
Steve Richardson
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God in heaven and in our midst, thank you for these moments of prayer and connection.
Colors arise from the earth and trees these days of spring, in sync with our celebration of the magnificent arising of Jesus on Easter morn. These upcoming solemn-most days of Lent soon will be cast into hindsight, replaced by the bright abundance of lilies adorning the church. And we will exclaim in joyful praise, “Alleluia!”
As we laud your Easter miracle, we also long for other miracles in our world today. We’re restless and fearful. We feel ramifications of geo-political conflicts and power-centered decisions that are tearing societies and your children apart, causing undeserved suffering, furthering evil and injustice. Yes, Lord, we need your miracles! Infuse the minds and hearts of leaders with your Spirit. Inspire them to amend agendas and missions so that peace and mutual respect become the utmost priorities.
You, God, are our source of hope, especially as we deal with difficulties brought by health issues, grieving, financial problems, broken relationships, disappointments, job challenges, personal despair and uncertainties. Surround us with your comfort, your strength and your presence. Grant us your wisdom and courage for the living of these days.
For family members and friends who travel for Easter gatherings, protect them from harm. For children and volunteers who will hunt Easter eggs this Saturday, bless them with joy. For Confirmation Class members leading Sunday’s sunrise service, enrich their lives. For clergy, staff and others involved in Church Street’s Holy Week services and events, fill their hearts and minds with your Holy Spirit and the blessings of resurrection. For all who worship, stir our souls and inspire us.
God of grace and glory, thank you for coming to dwell among us. To walk with us. To teach us. To triumph over death for us. As we move forward now, as we strive to lift high the cross and proclaim the risen Christ, may our words, thoughts and actions not only be pleasing to you, but may they add to the building of your kingdom among us here on earth.
We also humbly ask you to attend to these needs and expressions of people in our church community. Surround each person with your loving embrace…
We pray for ….
- A member who is going through chemo and asks for specific prayers that her numbers increase so she can receive the full dose of chemo on April 14.
- Continued healing for a member who had two surgeries last week: one oral surgery to remove cancer and one to reconstruct. Praying for no infection.
We continue to pray for …
- A young couple who is waiting for IVF in April; praying for success after disappointments.
- A member who has been diagnosed with bronchiectasis. Prayers that she find peace and confidence in her doctors as she manages this condition.
- Our military and their families.
- Children who are living through the trauma of war.
- A cousin awaiting kidney transplant.
- Church members who are undergoing chemotherapy; may they feel God’s strength as their body fights cancer.
- A member who has begun chemotherapy treatments; prayers for healing.
- For a young couple with a child and expecting twins; prayers for good health.
We give thanks for ….
- Successful surgery for grandson as well as a successful surgery for grandmother!
- Medication that has helped so much with chemo side effects!
- A member being released from hospital and moving to rehab to continue healing after two surgeries!
- Thankful for member who is going home after lengthy hospital stay.
And now we open our minds and hearts to you, gracious God, with the prayer Jesus 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.
