Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of November 6, 2024
Written by Rev. Tim Best & Rev. Catherine Nance
God of mercy and peace,
We went to bed last night with the relief that regardless of outcome, “this election will be over.” Some awoke to joyful news; others are shaken and despairing. There are those who feel that there are no ‘winners.’ We have been exhausted these last weeks by political rhetoric and accusations and ads with scary music in the background. We wanted this to be over, so we can move on.
But we feel stuck, O God; unable to ‘move on’ because there has been a lot of hurtful conversations. So, our prayer is that we will move on in your grace and love and wisdom. As we come together in the aftermath of division, we pray for unity, not based on agreement, but on your love and understanding. Teach us to see one another through your eyes—eyes full of compassion, patience, and hope. Help us to remember that we are brothers and sisters, and that even in our differences, we are united in you. We place our fears and our hopes in your hands. We surrender our anxieties, our desires, and our doubts to your infinite wisdom and love.
We pray for President Biden and Vice-President Harris as they finish their term. We continue to pray for peace in our world. May their leadership be a reminder to world leaders that our values reflect respect for all people.
We pray for President-Elect Trump and Senator Vance as they prepare to lead. Give them good health and bestow your wisdom on them. May they be guided by what you desire – to love mercy, show kindness, and to walk humbly with you. May their leadership be a time of healing.
Lord, fill this church with your presence. Let Church Street UMC be a place where love is tangible and where your light shines brightly, calling others to experience the hope that only you can give. Strengthen our resolve to be agents of peace and reconciliation in a world too often marked by conflict and division.
We lift our prayers to you, knowing that you are present with us in every circumstance, every season, and every struggle. We ask that you breathe your comfort into those who are hurting, providing not only physical healing but also emotional and spiritual renewal. For those who suffer in silence, who carry burdens no one can see, wrap them in your grace and let them know they are never alone.
We pray for….
- A young mother whose pregnancy ended at 36 weeks; prayers for peace and healing
- A sister who is suffering with a seizure disorder; prayer for her neurologist
- A family who experienced the suicide of a 15-year old; prayers especially for his younger sister.
- Those who grieve after the death of a good friend; especially her daughter and granddaughters
- A member who is facing open heart surgery; prayers for strength, peace, and healing
- Those who are feeling afraid
We continue to pray for….
- A member who had surgery (thoracotomy) early this morning; will be in hospital for several days.
- A member who is recovering from surgery to remove brain tumor; prayers for her as next steps are determined.
- A dear friend who has glioblastoma and is choosing to fight this cancer; prayers for strength and encouragement
- Members who are in rehab; praying for strength and healing so they can return home.
- One whose sister is now in hospice care; prayers for peace for her and her family.
- A member whose mother is in hospice care.
- All of the men and women in the military.
- Those who are caring for family members who have dementia.
- Members who have cancer and are going through the ups and downs of treatments.
- Healing of anxiety.
- Adult children who are facing hearings; for parents who are navigating legal issues.
- Our country; prayers that we will be kind to one another
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…
- Trusting Jesus is a healing savior
- Many blessings; small surprises throughout the day.
- Family
- Friends who understand
- Family members who arrived safely home after international travel
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.
