Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of February 28, 2024
Written by Rev. Tim Best
Gracious Lord,
For the mercies of today; for rest, for work, for food, and for fellowship with others we give you thanks and praise. As we come to the end of another day help us to find rest and renewal in you. Lift from our spirits the burdens of the day. Where we have caused harm or pain today, strengthen us that tomorrow we might seek forgiveness and restored relationships.
We are thankful for the food we have had today. All that sustains and nurtures is a gift to us from your loving hand. We acknowledge that some of us have had too much, and some of us did not have enough. Create in us generous hearts that whether we have much or little, we would see all we have as a gift. We are thankful that our church family was able to host neighboring churches and community members. Bless those who worshipped and fellowshipped with us today. May the world see and find in us, Church Street UMC, a place and a people where there bodies and their hearts can be fed by your gospel love.
We are thankful for this community of faith; May your Spirit continue to be at work in and through this congregation to shape us by the the love of your cross. As we continue to journey through Lent, bless and guide those who are participating in a special study, class, or prayer group. Renew their love, dedication, and joy through their faithful study and service. We ask for your guidance in all our missions and outreach ministries. May our neighbors come to know your love through the the ministries of this community.
We pray for all who are in any sort of need. We pray for those who have had surgeries, those who have been sick, and those who seek answers from doctors. Give strength to their bodies and courage to their hearts. Fill all of us with compassion and mercy for those who suffer. When we see those suffering from loneliness, move us by your Spirit to stand in solidarity and relationship. We pray for those separated from those they love by service, imprisonment, or due to employment.
We pray for the coming of your kingdom of peace. In the midst of a world that knows violence and peace so well, make your church to be a sign of peace and justice for all the world to see. Where division and hatred divides your people, heal us and draw us together in devoted service to you. We pray for those who feel they have no hope; may your church be a beacon of hope in the midst of the sufferings of the world and may we proclaim that in the midst of their sufferings your love stands with them.
In a spirit of hope and trust we offer these prayer concerns of our congregation up to you, gracious God.
We pray for ….
- A grandmother who is in hospital waiting on tests results; had a biopsy on a mass.
- A friend who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer
- One who is looking for a safe place to live; also needs a job
- One who is struggling with work issues; seeking forgiveness
- A member who is in rehab after a stroke
- Those who have been hospitalized; may they feel your strength as they continue to recover.
- A family in the loss of grandmother
- A member who is asking for God’s guidance in decisions about treatment options; waiting on second opinion. Prayers for peace of mind and healing as she learns more about situation.
- One waiting on tests results.
- Family members who do not yet know Christ as Savior.
- A granddaughter’s anxiety and OCD.
- Grandchildren who are having a difficult time in current family situation.
We give thanks for ….
- New friends at youth group!
- The birth of a baby boy!
- A new college Sunday School class.
- The sermon and lectures from our Bishop Lecture Series guest, Edgardo Colón-Emeric
We continue to pray for ……
- A friend who has started drinking again
- Members of extended family who are not believers inChrist
- A friend who is missing her son
- One going through a divorce.
- A family dealing with many health issues and employment issues as they relocate
- A faithful companion – a beautiful and dear pet who is having health issues; praying for strength for all God’s creatures!
- Dear friends; a husband who is in ICU with infection and other concerns, and for his wife
- One who continues to grieve for her husband while dealing with some family tensions
- Victims of Israeli-Hamas war
- Loved ones who are transitioning from ‘home alone’ to ‘assisted living’
- Caregivers who feel they are alone.
- Those whose grief is deep
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.
