Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of November 30, 2022
Rev. Catherine Nance
From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised.
You have given us the gift of evening and daytime, O Lord; it is how we first measured time.
Then we named the days and now we have given each day a title this season:
Black Friday (which now lasts for weeks before Thanksgiving). Cyber Monday is when we shop online more than any other day of the year and then Giving Tuesday – sort of a repentance for the overindulging we’ve done.
O Lord, we know that you are infinite and that you are Lord of our Life, but we feel a little more in control when we can mark time, name time, divide time into hours or minutes. We make plans for days and save the dates. We want to spend our time wisely, but also be productive, and also enjoy each moment. Oh! The expectations and burdens we place on ourselves!
We do like a good plan! Our families and communities function better when we have our schedule and know what time events will start and end! But, remind us to pause, O God. In this season of Advent, you have called us to watch, to wait, to be prepared. As we ask, “what time is it?” may we pause to ask “how is God in this time?” When we ask ‘How much longer”, may you guide us to wonder how you are waiting with us. We do not wait well, Lord. You know this about us.
So, our prayer this evening is for those who are waiting and wondering how much longer …
How much longer before the doctor calls ..
How much longer before that check shows up…
How much longer before she says, “I’m sorry”….
How much longer before he is healed….
How much longer do we keep trying to get pregnant…
How much longer do we have to live like this…
How much longer before he comes home…?
We offer prayers of thanksgiving, O God of the Nighttime and Daytime, that you are indeed with us in all time. You wait with us. You watch over us, and for us, and with us. Open our hearts and minds that we might notice you; may our spirits catch a glimpse of you as we wait. In this Advent season, we grapple with the circle – the wreath – the everlastingness of it all. Sometimes, we want straight lines and angles and turns and clear direction. Help us find solace and comfort in the circle. Love never ending. Your presence who has no ending or beginning. May that bring meaning to all of our time.
We pray in the name of the one who has come, who is with us now, and who will come again.
We pray for ….
- A member’s co-worker just diagnosed with bone cancer.
- A Holston Conference pastor and wife whose 20-month old son died after a tragic accident. The funeral service will be at our church; prayers for Pastor Tim as he leads.
- Those who are grieving … so many losses this past year
- A daughter who is making choices for her mother about assisted living, follow-up rehab, etc. Such a maze to work through!
- Church members who are dealing with physical health issues; may they feel close to God’s energizing spirit!
- A colleague waiting on medical tests and a clear diagnosis
- The families behind each of those Beacon of Hope “angel tree” names. Praying for happy memories for each of the families and that they feel hopeful in the coming year!
- Church members who have Covid; thankful for mild cases. Hoping for all to stay well!
- A member’s friend who is having surgery this week
- A son who works out of state who is having problems with back
- A sister who is dealing with after effects of cancer treatments
- A father who has Covid
- A family situation … primary caretakers are moving away. Prayers for good decisions to be made about family members who need attention.
We continue to pray for ….
- A niece in Los Angeles looking for a job
- Two church members who are under hospice care; giving thanks for faith in God. Thankful for supportive families.
- Those who are caregivers and those who are making difficult decisions
- Those who are in rehabilitation after a fall and/or surgery
- Those who are weary with chronic illnesses and those whose bodies are ‘wearing out.’
- A member who is dealing with depression. We pray for so many who deal with depression – who want to be at church and with family, but just cannot make that happen.
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….
- Healthy pre-natal check ups
- The miracle of life through organ donation; we think especially of the lives of children who have renewed hope after the death of a 20-month old.
- Emergency personnel – firefighters, police officers, EMTs, who respond when we call!
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.
