Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of December 25, 2024
Written by Rev. Tim Best
God of Heaven and Earth,
On this day that you come near to us, this day where you have shown that no distance is so great that your love cannot cross it, help us to receive you with joy. Our hearts burst with song and rejoicing at your love. The words of Charles Wesley give voice to our gladness at the entrance over your word made flesh. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the newborn king. In the darkness of the world let your birth remind us that you are the author of all things, and that you have declared them good. May we give you glory and praise wherever we may be.
“Peace on earth, and mercy mild”: We know by our own experience and the news from around the world that there is much need for your peace. Make us to be bearers of your peace. Where there is frustration or tension between us and friends or family, set your peace at work. Transform our hearts heal brokenness and disagreement. Where violence and hatred divide communities and nations, set your disciples to be at work to proclaim and embody peace and to show mercy always.
“God and sinners reconciled!” We trust that any division amongst people can be overcome, because that which has separated humanity from your love has been overcome in Jesus Christ. Humanity is redeemed and remade in Jesus Christ. Where we feel distant from you love, remind us most of all on Christmas that you love us and desire to draw us close to you. For those who feel far from you, for those who do not know you, we pray and ask that they would know peace and mercy on this Christmas Day. We pray for those who are distant from others today; for the sick, for the hurting, the lonely, and those in any sort of trouble. May they feel your mercy present with them.
“Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;” We glorify you for your love of all peoples and your redemption of the world. You draw people of all ages and races to be your disciples, and to witness to your mercy and grace. May all who would follow your Son adopt the same mind, seeing worth in all people. Make your church to stand against the forces of racism and fear of others. May your church across the world, speaking different tongues and existing in varied cultures be united in praise, and celebrate your reign over all heaven and earth.
With th’angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Join our voices, Gracious Lord, with all the company of heaven. May our praises on this Christmas Day be joined with the praises of your church across time and space and sing with angels and saints. Let us proclaim the brith of your Son in the humble city of Bethlehem. May we seek to sing his praises and serve his kingdom in all the places we find ourselves. May Christ be known in Bethlehem and in every community and town. We join our praises and prayers with the church on earth and in heaven, as we pray that prayer that our Lord 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.
We pray for….
- A mother who is back in hospital after a fall
- A member who was admitted to hospital yesterday
- One who is grieving the death of his father
- Family members and friends who are having a difficult time
- Members of a Sunday School class who are holding one another close in prayer
- People in other countries who do not know about the Christian faith; a prayer request specifically for China
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…
- A cousin who had successful liver transplant!
We continue to pray for….
- One who has been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer
- One has in midst of radiation treatments
- All families who are dealing with cancer diagnosis and the unknown; waiting for more testing and seeing which treatment options are offered.
- All who are caring for a loved one – especially a spouse – with dementia
- Those who are in hospice care; their caretakers and families, also
- A friend beginning treatment for stage 4 esophageal cancer
- Successful heart bypass surgery at Cleveland Clinic
- Friends who are dealing with depression and knowing how to help and how to be there.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!