Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of October 23, 2024
Written by Rev. Tim Best
Almighty God, king of the universe,
Comfort us with the assurance that you rule over all things. Your rule is like the tender care of a gardener, protecting, nurturing, and sustaining all in your care. When we are frightened by all those things that threaten our flourishing and tear at our joy, give us the assurance of your mercy and protection. Cultivate in each of us merciful hearts, quick to seek forgiveness and slow to act with anger and hate. As we come to the end of this day, help us to lay aside all the stresses and strivings we have encountered today. Receive into your care all our anxieties and failings. Where we have failed to honor your direction and leading today and throughout the week, forgive us and strengthen us to be faithful tomorrow.
As disciples of Jesus we pray for our leaders, and the leaders of all the nations. We pray for those in any position of power. May you guide them in their decisions and direct them towards your peace. Help us to place our hope for the future and the fullness of our trust in you and in your promised kingdom. As our nation prepares for an election, help your church to be a living witness to your presence and love in the world. May we work with one another to serve your kingdom.
Gracious God, we continue to lift the needs of our neighbors who suffer from the effects of Hurricane Helene to your merciful care. Sustain and encourage all those who are working to clean up and restore services throughout East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. As the news cycle moves on, help us to be mindful, through our prayers, but also our presence, of the ongoing needs of our neighbors. As in Jesus we Christ we come to know that you, O God, are with us, help us to be with those in need.
Unburden our hearts of all that has weighed upon us today. See the concerns and sufferings that we have experienced ourselves and those of our loved ones and friends. Make your presence known to the lonely, care for those who are sick, and sustain those who suffer. Comfort those who grieve and assure us all of the hope of the resurrection and your full and final victory over the forces of sin and death. May the example of those who have come before us in the faith embolden and encourage our hearts. As you heard their prayers across the generations and in all places, see the needs of our Church Street family that we share with you now:
We pray….
- For a premature baby; prayers of thanksgiving for good health and strength
- For one who has been diagnosed with brain tumor
- For members who are in rehab working on physical strength and independence
- For family members who are making decisions on behalf of aging parents
- For salvation for family members; for them to know themselves as beloved children of God
- For children who are being adopted and for parents seeking adoption
- For a friend who has a newly diagnosed mass on kidney and nodule on adrenal gland; she has a 14-year old grandson she is raising who has Autism.
- For a brother-in-law and sister-in-law whose 35-year old daughter died in her sleep leaving two children. Pray that they may find comfort. They do not attend church and need the spiritual support that offers
- Prayers for a son who is dealing with depression and struggles with those in authority. May his counselor provide help
- For peace of mind and good health for a follow-up mammogram; may God’s healing touch bring assurance
- For a friend who is suffering from depression and feels that he is all alone; prayers for those who are trying to be there for him
We continue to pray for….
- For those cleaning out from Helene and Milton; for all who are working to restore and rebuild
- For those without homes
- 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
- All those running for office; keep them safe; our country – that we would learn to live together
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for….
- Family reunions
- The opportunity to travel with spouse
- New job opportunities
- Our ministers
It is in obedience to your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that we pour our hearts before you and join in that prayer he taught us, praying,
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.
