Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of May 17, 2023
Rev. Catherine Nance
O God of Alpha and Omega, God of Beginnings and Endings and Beginning Again, we can hear the strains of Pomp and Circumstance in the air and see mortarboards being tossed towards the heavens. Students are relieved and giddy; parents are relieved and tearful. Whether the graduate is a three-year old moving up to Pre-K or a young adult receiving a hood, we are grateful for your presence in their lives and in ours.
When we move through milestones – and what is sometimes harder – watching children move through milestones, we take time to give thanks for the ways you have been with us along the way.
The month of May brings memories and hopes and always a bit of heartache. We pray for teachers who have done their very best this year. We pray for teachers who wish they could do more and for teachers who are wondering if they still have the spark. We pray for those who teach and lead at colleges and universities; institutions which used to be places for exploration and hard questions but are now under such scrutiny. We think of students for whom school is their safe place and for others who are already dreading next school year. O God of Compassion, put the right people in paths of those who need to hear an encouraging word.
Some joyously celebrated Mother’s Day last week and others were grieving. You know all the stories, O God. You know the desires and the disappointments and the celebrations. We pray for new mothers who are hoping for so much and for older mothers who long for their children. Mother’s Day and Decoration Day and Memorial Day … so many opportunities for celebration and honoring precious memories. We are grateful. But we are also human and know that we can break one another’s heart; and yours. Forgive us when we do not reflect the grace that you bestow.
Fill the world with the hope that swells when we hear bands play at graduation! A drumroll and the crescendo of the horns opens our ears and hearts and spirits to possibilities. The signs of “congratulations” and balloons we pass in the neighborhood make us want to start over and do better. Forgive us when we look back with regret; fill us with “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow!” May we see your blessings all around us and be thankful!
There are many concerns, O Lord! Church members have poured out their heart knowing that there is strength and healing when we say the words, “please pray for me…” So, in the newness of spring and the glory of your presence, we offer thanks for the gift of prayer.
We pray for …..
- A son who has had legal issues for the past several years; finally having a court date this week. Prayers for resolution.
- Our high school seniors .. may all of them continue to listen to God’s plan for their lives. May they walk in their faith and be mindful of the blessings they are!
- Friends who have asked for prayers – friends who are struggling with health or financial or relationship issues
- That we would stay healthy and full of your purpose for these times.
- A husband who is struggling with grief over his father’s death. Prayers that he can find his way and know God’s calming presence. Prayers for employment that fills his soul with happiness.
- A member who asks for good mental and physical health – for clarity. Prayers as she faces knee replacement surgery that she not be filled with worry and anxiety. Prayers for peace.
- A young wife whose husband died unexpectedly this week; prayers for peace about the future.
- Couples who are going through difficult times
- Parents who are trying to balance all the things!
- A family who is grieving the loss of a dear pet
We offer thanksgiving for ….
- Successful surgery for the child with tracheotomy; thankful he and his family are adapting and growing in love. Prayers now for increased muscle strength and that he can get off of the vent.
- Grandparents who were able to visit a granddaughter who has come through difficult surgery
- Members of the Congregational Care Committee; thankful for the cards and letters and contact they ensure for homebound members.
- Healthy grandbabies delivered!
We continue to pray for ….
- Those who are grieving
- A dear mother in rehab
- A newborn in NICU – thankful for weight gain!
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.
