Weekly Prayer – March 12, 2025

God in heaven and in our midst: We live in your world that you created and are still creating; who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh to reconcile and make new; and who works in us and others by your Holy Spirit.

You call us to be the church to celebrate your presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death, you are with us. You do not leave us alone.

Thank you, Lord, for never letting go of us. Thank you for consoling dejected states of mind. Thank you for shining light amid life’s dark spaces.

As this winter melts into spring, we anticipate blessings of the approaching season: Flowers, dogwood blossoms, extended daylight, warmer weather, outdoor events, emerging leaves on awakening trees, and more opportunities of comfortable times to be outside (just to name a few). Starting at the end of this week, many families with school-aged children will experience their spring break. We pray their times together are meaningful, joyful and renewing.

Lord, as you surely must know, it’s challenging for us these days to escape the anxieties of our socio-political climate. So many voices, so many messages, so many confusing contradictions. When we think about such things though, we’re reminded of a truth about Jesus during his brief earthly life: Jesus also lived (and was ultimately crucified!) in a world of socio-political conflict and unrest. Through him you reinforced to us, God, that yours is the one true voice that gives us deliverance, hope and peace. And that your message, “Love one another,” is the one true message that also gives us deliverance, hope and peace. Help us stay attuned to your voice and message as we live our daily lives with compassion for one another, service to one another, prayers for one another.

These weekly prayers of the church affirm the reality that peoples’ needs for your grace are many and serious. We earnestly pray that you embrace each person with your comfort and strength and assurance that you are not one who breaks things, rather you are the living God of love that builds, heals, restores, resurrects, creates and re-creates.

We pray for…

• A father who had open heart surgery this week; prayers for healing!
• A friend whose job ended due to federal cuts; highly qualified and has a young family. 
• A young man who had a stroke and has been in rehab for several months; prayers for patience, strength, and healing.
• A husband who is having skin cancer removed; prayers that all cancer cells are taken.
• A friend’s good health after battling respiratory infection for three weeks.
• A member who is in hospital with pneumonia.
• A member who is dealing with heart concerns.
• A nephew grieving the death of his uncle.
• A mother and sister in the unexpected death of their beloved son and brother; prayers for the whole family as they gather for funeral this week.
• A sister who is in the hospital; prayers that doctors can determine cause of infection and choose best treatment option.
• A daughter who is having surgery.
• A father undergoing lots of tests before heart concern can be addressed.
• A father who has just been diagnosed with cancer; prayers for his son and family as they offer support.
• Those who are lonely and miss coming to church.
• A young adult who is seeking God’s path after job was ended.
• A sister who is undergoing surgery to have bladder removed due to cancer.

We continue to pray for…

• Family members who are grieving
• Knox County Schools students, faculty, and staff
• Friends and family going through difficult times
• Those who are receiving chemo and/or radiation treatments.
• Those who are impacted by homelessness.
• So many who are dealing with Alzheimers and how best to care for family members. Praying for strength!

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

• The birth of a grandson
• Cancer treatments that are working!
• The wonderful community services downtown; so good to see our neighbors and friends.