Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of July 26, 2023
Rev. Catherine Nance
At our Church Council meeting Tuesday night, one of our youth offered the closing prayer. Her words were ….
“Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the opportunity to change our world for the better, even through our basic day-to-day life, Thank you for allowing us to work together as a community. Give us the understanding that our world is truly a gift and we are truly your children. Allow us to know that your presence is always with us even when we are outside of this church building and separated from this congregation.”
We were meeting in the Chapel – a beautiful room – yet, her prayer made me remember that we spend most of our time OUTSIDE of 900 Henley Street! Yet, it is the Holy Spirit and the gift of prayer that keeps us ‘together as a community’ even when we are ‘outside … and separated’ from one another.
Tonight, as we pray, let us imagine the other places where people are gathering …
O God who binds us together, we pray for those who are at home this evening. May the surroundings bring comfort and peace. May they feel safe and know that they are loved.
O God, we pray for those who are outside – literally outside. Those who are sleeping under a bridge or inside an abandoned building. We do not understand the circumstances and so we do not judge; but we pray for their safety Lord. They are your children.
O God, we pray for those who are at camps. Church camps and summer camps are winding down and band camps are in full swing. There are those who have enlisted in the armed services who are at boot camp. We pray for those who are tired, homesick, and hot. We pray for those who have made good friends and are hoping to sustain relationships.
O God, we pray for those who are working this evening. There are many at hospitals, nursing homes, and all-night diners. We often do not think about mail and package sorters and order fulfillers – those faceless people who make our ‘clicking’ appear at the door in a day or two. May they find fulfillment in their work and know that they are doing work we all count on. May they feel your presence in these evening hours.
O God, we pray for those who are on the road – whether on interstate or in the air. We pray for safety and good judgment as people are traveling for work or for vacation. May people who drive and fly for a living know we appreciate them getting people and goods where they need to be.
We pray for those who are sleeping in prisons tonight. It may be just an overnight or it may be the five-hundredth night of many more. Regardless of circumstance, we pray for mercy and that the prisoner knows they are precious in your sight.
O loving God, we thank you for a beautiful sanctuary where we gather on Sundays to pray. We find encouragement and nurture and love in that place. But thank you, Holy Spirit of God, for your presence outside.
We share the prayers that our community of faith has shared ….
We pray for ….
- A wife grieving the loss of her beloved husband
- A niece grieving the loss of her beloved aunt; prayers for all of the family she nurtured.
- A church member awaiting results from a biopsy
- A husband grieving the sudden death of his wife
- Our Stephen Ministry team as they care for one another; several who are facing health issues
- A member who is recovering from surgery to remove brain tumor; awaiting cancer treatment
- Those who are in despair from physical pain
- A daughter hoping for the best care for her mother who is not able to take care of herself; prayers for peace over frustration of health care system when mental health issues are involved
- A member who is burdened with worrying about the future; please bring God’s peace
- Those who are exploring changes in jobs
- Those who are exploring the meaning of vocation and calls to ministry
- A member who went home from rehab; may she remain healthy and safe
- A member having knee replacement surgery
- Those who are under hospice care; thankful for the peace and comfort the program brings
- Our choir as they prepare to sing at the National Cathedral
- A two-year old having exploratory surgery and scans
- A child who is anxious about the start of school
We give thanks for …
- Friends who step in when needed
- Church volunteers who work behind the scenes
- The gift of new life; prayers for good health during a pregnancy
- Teachers who are looking forward to welcoming students
We continue to pray for …
- Miracles of healing
- Families who are grieving
- Caregivers who are getting weary
- People dealing with complicated grief; sadness mixed with tragic circumstances or unknown causes
- A young adult who struggles with mental health issues; prayers that the school year goes well
We join with others offering the prayer you 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.
