Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of March 15, 2023
Steve Richardson, Lay Leader
God in heaven and in our midst, thank you for these moments to turn our thoughts to you and pray.
In just a few days, our season crosses the threshold from winter to spring. Like so many events in your realm, God, the change will happen quietly, without fanfare or sudden surges. In the silence of space, our peculiarly-tilted planet will proceed along its path around the sun. Daylight hours will continue to lengthen. And your diverse creation around us will re-awaken to newness of another cycle of life. Inspire and help us to be entrusted caretakers of your bountiful earth, seas and sky.
For many children, youth and their families in our community, this has been a week of “spring break.” We pray that their opportunities of added time together with loved ones, other family members and friends will be meaningful, uplifting and spiritually enriching. We pray, too, for their safety as well as physical and mental wellbeing.
Even though your grace and love abound around us, we are so easily distracted by brokenness we see — and sometimes experience — daily. Disparities can be overwhelming: health concerns, broken relationships, grief, social injustices, financial uncertainties, loneliness, natural disasters, ecological disruptions, abuse, war, oppression, violence (just to name a few). Despite the challenges that may kindle discouragement, remind us of your promise that you will steadfastly continue to be with us. May your ultimate will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Further, give us the courage, confidence and wisdom to do things that enable your will being done – even when we might feel such actions are inadequate and wonder instead, “Will it really make a difference?”
We pray with gratitude for our clergy and church staff, whose daily commitments to service for your church provide a safe, welcoming, sacred space and community for worship, mission, learning and spiritual growth.
During our journey through this Lenten season, help us sense and share your unconditional love. Move us to respond with grace to others, just as you do for us. And humbly we ask you, God, to receive and respond to these important prayer requests from congregation members and neighbors:
We pray for…
- A couple whose precious dog died last week; Buster was a special gift to help bring comfort and hope after a tragic loss of a child.
- A church member receiving treatment for herniated disc; prayers for relief from pain!
- A couple who is wanting to have a baby and cannot physically; prayers for direction and answers and options and joy!
- Friends and family of a man who died after suffering a massive stroke.
- Members of a Sunday School class pray for one another to have increased wisdom and thinking as they study the Bible.
- A daughter who has struggled with pneumonia and other complications after hospitalization; prayers that new meds and treatment will bring healing
- A couple who just got married last week.
- Friends and family who are dealing with so many stressors
- Our mission outreach in Willow, Alaska
- Those with COVID; may they all be mild cases and not infect others!
We continue to pray for…
- Those waiting; so many waiting on hearing back from doctors, labs, and appointment desks! Lord, in your mercy, we pray for our healthcare system!
- A church member who is still struggling to feel better after surgery
- Senior high youth as they make decisions about ‘next year.’
- A couple with a high-risk pregnancy
- Those who are looking for a job that will bring meaning
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…
- The ability to travel to see family during Spring Break!
- A successful job search – finally! Praise the Lord for a member’s niece and her finding the right job!
- A grandbaby!
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.
