Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of August 28, 2024
Written by Rev. Tim Best
God of gracious and merciful strength,
In our weakness and need, we come to you in prayer. We are often overwhelmed in our daily tasks and challenges. The repeating rhythms of everyday life can leave us drained and boxed in. Breathe life into us as we face those things that grind down our joy and disconnect us from ourselves, from each other, and from you. Help us discover a new rhythm of life, anchored in your care and renewed by your rest.
Lord, in your mercy…
We pray for our world, the nations, and all those who lead or seek power. We pray for peace to arrive in those places torn apart by violence and war. Help all your disciples to place our trust. In your spiritual strength, and the armor of our faith, rather than the weapons of war and hatred. We pray for civilians caught in the midst of fighting, whether in Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, and all the other places that know unrest. Humble the leaders of the world that they would submit to your authority and abandon any designs that run counter to your desires for the flourishing of all creation.
Lord, in your mercy…
As our election season heats up in our own nation and community, help us to be witnesses to your authority and patience. Make us kind towards those with whom we disagree. Let us all hold our own ideals with conviction and integrity, but help us to measure and judge them with the direction of the Holy Spirit. We pray for all those who seek to hold and exercise power. Preserve and guide them, transform their hearts, and shape their actions for the good of all persons.
Lord, in your mercy…
As summer begins to wane we look forward to changing weather and all the joys contained in fall schedules. May we care for creation in all seasons that the earth may produce bountifully, and show forth the beauty of your handiwork. Help us to use all resources wisely, with concern for others and with commitment to the wellbeing of all that you have made. Help us find solutions to all problems, both economical and ecological, in ways that give dignity and security.
Lord, in your mercy…
In the midst of suffering, our own and that of others, help us to stand firm. Hear the cries of those in need and the suffering. Comfort those who mourn, and reassure us in the hope of the resurrection and final victory over sin and death. As those saints who came before us endured their trials, may we likewise place our full and final hope in your kingdom. We look with joyous expectation when all the powers of this age are undone by your conquering love.
Lord, in your mercy…
We pray for …
- A mother who had minor surgery yesterday; prayers for all who care for her
- A friend whose fifty-year old daughter is hospitalized because of liver failure; she is not a candidate for a transplant. Praying for a miracle!
- A member who is grieving the death of a dear friend
- A family who has a member in hospice care.
- A friend who has cancer.
- Friends and family members who are going through difficult times with health issues.
- A former high school principal recently diagnosed with lung cancer. Friends and family will learn more about his treatment options this week. Prayers for staff who worked with him and revered him as a friend as well as a leader.
- A sister who just gave birth to a healthy baby girl. However, the mom has been diagnosed with a very rare blood disease. Prayers of thanksgiving for a precious and healthy niece, but also prayers of healing for a beloved sister. Prayers for the new father as he cares for both!
- Those who are grieving the death of fifty-one year old son after a battle with cancer. Prayers for his mother as she continues to deal with her own health problems.
- Friends and family who have COVID.
- A husband who had sinus surgery.
- A mom who is traveling out of the country
- Friend who is struggling with situation at job
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….
- Such a positive Church Council meeting Tuesday night. Giving thanks for inspiring devotion, good and faithful work by volunteers, and our committed staff. Thankful for the good financial health as well as spiritual health of our church.
- A good follow up from a mammogram; no tumor!
- A son who found a job that allows him to do what he was trained to do!
- A niece who received liver transplant and is recovering well after going through a frightening time in ICU
- A clear – NO CANCER – pathology report! Prayers for healing and strength after surgery!
We continue to pray for ….
- A member who is consulting with pulmonologist after chest x-ray showed a spot. Prayers for clear diagnosis and a healing path forward.
- A young couple beginning fertility procedures to start their family.
- Grandchildren who are hurting because of divorce of parents. May the extended family be a source of healing and comfort.
- Couples who are wanting to start a family ..
- All of the men and women in the military…
- Those who are caring for family members who have dementia …
- Members who have cancer and are going through the ups and downs of treatments.
We join together with all the saints as we lift up that prayer that your Son Jesus Christ has taught us, praying:
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.
