Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of January 22, 2025
Written by Rev. Catherine Nance*
*This is a slightly different version of the prayer used Sunday morning, January 19, 2025. Rev. Nance adapted it from a prayer by Rev. Teri McDowell, Presbyterian Outlook, 1/15/2025 and from one in our United Methodist Book of Worship.
Gracious God, your grace is lavish and abundant. We bask in the outpouring of your love for us – just like the wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee that we read about last Sunday. You offer grace and love more than enough! We thank you for the gift of prayer. As we pause to pray together, we give thanks for others in our church family who are praying with us as we read this prayer.
We continue to pray for our country and our leaders. We pray for President Trump and Vice-President Vance. As in the oath they have taken, guide our political leaders to “preserve, protect and defend” in ways pleasing to you, O God. Endow them with the wisdom of humility, to foster healthy collaboration and across-the-aisle problem solving. Guide them in executing the duties of their office faithfully and solemnly, for the good of the whole, not the favor of the few. We pray for their families as they begin this journey.
Give to the people of our country zeal for justice and strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will. Forgive our shortcomings as a nation; purify our hearts to see and love the truth. We pray for local communities, for county and city leaders, and for all the agencies and institutions who represent our best intentions. Guide us all in kingdom living.
We think of those who are near and dear to us. You have created us to be in community and relationships. We always pray for the world, but you know there are those whose names and faces tug on our hearts more tenderly. It is humbling to us that your heart holds us all. We pray for those who are struggling with health, with job issues, with finding purpose; those who are doing their best to help others and perhaps have neglected themselves. May those we love feel the presence of our prayers and know they are not alone.
We pray all these things through Jesus Christ who taught us to pray…..
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….
- An infant grandson who had surgery on his skull Monday
- A member who is transitioning to a new job; prayers for the patients she leaves behind and prayers for a strong start as she begins new work.
- A daughter who is traveling to study abroad this semester.
- A member who asks for prayers for relief from pain so her body can begin to heal
- A friend who has been indigent – but inspiring – who has serious heart disease. Prayers that the doctors who are caring for him will help find the right drug combinations
- Our country
- A young family with lots of changes going on – mostly good – but brings stress!
- A man who works in our building; is afraid to go out because of fear of being deported
- Our youth who will be at Resurrection this weekend; for Pastor Tim and all of the leaders and interns.
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…
- A sister’s biopsy results that showed a benign tumor
- A spouse who supports in so many ways!
- An uncle’s successful move to assisted living
- Church members who share their gifts of creativity
We continue to pray for…..
- Those who have been hospitalized and are healing at home or rehab
- A mom who has been in ICU; now able to sit up and converse; praying for the right rehab facility
- An aunt who is going through a very painful divorce; also prayers for her children.
- A dear friend who was a victim of the attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve. Prayers for friends who witnessed it. Prayers for all who are dealing with tragic loss from this horrific event.
- All those affected by fires in LosAngeles
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