Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of July 31, 2024
Written by Leah Brown, Duke Divinity School Intern
Gentle and comforting Lord,
You are the sustainer of your people and the breath of your Church. You have led your people from the beginnings of the world, and we continue to see you leading even us today. We thank you for your steadfast direction and guidance as we navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties as members of the Body of Christ seeking to do your will. Receive our praise and hear our prayers as you usher us into deeper discipleship.
We worship you for your incomprehensible love for humanity. Rather than abandoning us when creation was corrupted by sin, you maintained that you have called us very good and reconciled us back to yourself through the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus. Help us to receive this love as an identifying mark that reminds us of the One who goes before, behind, and beside us. Let our church community be a tangible representation of this gentle yet powerful love as your Holy Spirit flows through us and into the world.
Lord, be a shelter of comfort and peace for those who face difficult or even hostile situations. Be a presence of hope for those who encounter pain or grief. Reconcile relationships that have been strained. Teach us to trust in the promises of the Gospel that proclaim a coming end to suffering and the return of shalom. As we wait for Christ’s return, help us to live faithfully in the already-not-yet establishment of the Kingdom as agents of the perfect peace that is to come.
Convict us of the ways we oppose your will and hinder others from experiencing your grace and love. Let your Holy Spirit lead us in the way of your tender mercy and grace as we bear witness to the Gospel’s transformative work in our lives and in our community. As we continue to be drawn in by your faithfulness and love for us, we lift up these concerns to be held in your care:
We pray for …
- One who is taking bar exam; may she feel God’s peace. May she be filled with confidence in all of her preparation.
- One who is having surgery in the morning.
- A ninety-three year old grandmother who fell and shattered her arm. Prayers for healing as she recovers in hospital. Prayers for family as they care for her.
- A sister who is dealing with cancer and also her son who is nearing end of his earthly life.
- A member who has been diagnosed with pancreatitis.
- Grandchildren who are hurting because of divorce of parents. May the extended family be a source of healing and comfort.
- Teachers who are preparing classrooms (and themselves!) for new students.
- Students who are anxious about the start of a new school year.
- An elderly member who is near the end of her life; may she find the peace she has longed for.
- Parents who are looking for daycare options.
- All those whose grief is compounded by suicide; may they know the assurance that loved ones are in God’s eternal peace and love.
We continue to pray for ….
- 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 offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….
- For a sister who is responding well to cancer treatments.
- The beautiful music last Sunday! Prayers for our interim directors and guest organists.
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.
