Week of August 27, 2025
Rev. Timothy Best
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Gracious God,
In the midst of the rhythms and routines of this week, we set aside this time to seek you through prayer. Open our hearts that we might offer to you our joys and concerns each day. Draw us together in your mercy, and by your grace make us one people, lifting our whole selves to you.
As cooler air breezes through our region, and we begin to dream of all the cherished traditions and events of this season, we give you thanks. We praise you for the seasons, marking time, but also marking your ongoing, often imperceptible care. As you sustain creation, you sustain us. We pray that as fall, football, and festivals approach, you would allow all these events and spaces be safe and enjoyable for all. Watch over students, protect athletes, and care for those who live or work in the elements.
Even in the midst of the beauty of today we are mindful of the challenges in our lives and in the lives of those we love. We pray for those battling cancer and other longterm diseases. Sustain them in their physical fight and renew their spirits. We pray for those who support and care for others. Help us to see the needs of those around us, and empower us to respond with compassion and care.
We pray for the world. With the speed of media, and the various perspectives, angles, and spins, it is difficult for us to maintain our focus on all the disasters, wars, and rumors of wars. Yet, you empower us to pray for all things, for all peoples, and for an end to all violence and oppression. We pray for those who’s wellbeing and lives are in danger because of the decisions of others. May you transform the hearts of those in power, that they may seek your peace and desire your kingdom.
Guide your church, and fill your disciples with the Holy Spirit. We pray for those in our church family that are grieving and mourning. We pray for new programs and new leaders as we enter a new program year. Help our focus to always remain upon you and the work to which you have called us. Where we have differences, open our hearts to your transformation, and allow us to trust in you. We pray for those representing Church Street and Holston Conference in Zimbabwe and Liberia. You have called this community together to proclaim, to teach, and to nurture one another. Receive these needs and joys of our Church Street Family:
We pray for ….
- All those who are traveling to Zimbabwe with Pastor Sam. Lord, bless their work and keep them safe.
- One who is grieving.
- A member who will begin a clinical trial soon for cancer treatment.
- A member in the hospital and awaiting answers and praying to go home.
- A member who has lost a parent.
- A friend whose cancer has spread.
- Parents seeking guidance in supporting a child.
- Friends who are struggling with personal situations.
- For a mom returning home from the hospital.
- Unnamed requests known by you alone.
We continue to pray for ….
- A husband who is undergoing chemotherapy for prostate cancer.
- A sister who has had some frustrations and a setback with knee replacement surgery; prayers for strength, healing, and patience.
- One who has been wearing heart monitor for a month; prayers for clear path forward and good health.
- A dear friend making treatment decisions for leukemia.
- A member undergoing RFA treatment for pain in ankles and feet; this is a long-term condition.
- Friends grieving the loss of their parents.
- For a family who is struggling.
- Members of our families who are adjusting to being in assisted living or memory care facilities; the transitions are hard for the caregivers. May all know God’s peace.
- Family members and friends going through difficult times.
- Young adults who are struggling to find meaningful work.
We give thanks for ….
- A niece who has moved from UT hospital to a rehab closer to her home in Georgia after a tragic accident; so thankful for continued healing and strength on this long journey.
- Answered prayers for a church member.
We hold these concerns in our hearts, knowing that our prayers are powerful and effective. And we pray as 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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