Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of March 6, 2024
Written by Rev. Catherine Nance
Honestly God, it has been a dreary day.
We know we are supposed to give thanks in all things, but we let the gray sky and the rain and the humidity bring us down.
We say things like, “Now, I have to change shoes. These got all wet.”
Forgive us, O God of Sunshine and Rain. As we mutter under our breath that we left our other umbrella in the office and our new one is at home, make us pause to give thanks that we have two umbrellas. Forgive us when we forget we have a choice of clothing and can dress in layers. We complain when we have to de-layer; forgive us.
Move us beyond ourselves, O Lord.
We pause now, embarrassed by our pettiness, and offer thanks to you. We are grateful for all that we have. We are grateful for the options that most of us have. When an activity is rained out, we have a dry place to go. Forgive us for grumbling.
Now that we have our good sense about us O God, we do give you thanks for this day. We have had enough to eat, we have stayed mostly dry and warm, and we have a safe place to sleep tonight. We thank you for the people we have encountered today; some strangers and some family. People who were kind to us and people who took time for us.
Before we call it a day, be with us O God, as we remember the conversations and the interactions that were meaningful. We include you in these remembrances knowing that your spirit is always present. Thank you for your blessings.
Before we pray for those near and dear to us, we think about your world. We cannot imagine what a rainy day is like in Gaza or Odesa. We simply open our heart right now and know that you hear the prayers of people all over the world. Through the power of your holy spirit, as we pray for people we know and love, may we feel a connection to all people who call out to you.
Lord, we thank you for the rain. We thank you hearing our prayers. We offer now the prayer requests from our congregation ….
We pray for ….
- A preschool special ed teacher who is having to deal with extreme behaviors from students; pray for safety, wellbeing, and peace of mind. God bless all the students
- A grandmother who has been diagnosed with multiple cancers; prayers for discernment in next steps for treatment
- A member who has moved to skilled nursing care and rehab after a stroke
- A dear friend who was so active and now unable to walk
- A woman seeking employment that will bring her joy and will help her family
- A father in the hospital whose health is declining. May sons feel God’s guidance and strength
- The health of a newborn; may parents make good decisions
- One who is traveling overseas for school
- For children who are adjusting to life after the sudden death of their mother
- A member whose brother died
- One who is working with new doctor for second opinion; praying for discernment
We continue to pray for ……
- A friend who has started drinking again
- One waiting on test results from doctor
- One going through a divorce
- A family dealing with many health issues and employment issues as they relocate
- Victims of Israeli-Hamas war
- Loved ones who are transitioning from ‘home alone’ to ‘assisted living’
- Caregivers who feel they are alone.
- Those whose grief is deep
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.
