Week of October 29, 2025
Steve Richardson
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God in heaven and in our midst: All Saints Sunday is near. Through your Spirit, may this day kindle smiles from happy memories of family and friends we have loved, who now live in your splendorous presence. We pray, too, with gratitude for the multitude of past generations of family we never knew, yet who made our existence possible.
We confess, Lord, that worldly rigors and realities consume our consciousness. Spirituality gets placed aside in the shuffle. So, it’s good to be reminded by All Saints Day of your promise of everlasting life in your holy realm. It emboldens our faith. Thank you for such blessings.
We pray again, merciful God, that you comfort all who are in pain (physical as well as emotional), who hunger, who mourn, who suffer due to broken relationships, and who stress over matters of significance. When unjust constraints impede us, free us. When hate prevails, infuse our hearts with love. When doubt persists, strengthen our hope. When apathy hinders us, inspire us with conviction to act. When darkness hampers us, shed your light. When pride distorts wise discernment, give us courage to seek and accept truth.
What shall we do to build your Kingdom, Lord? Teach us ways to take steps for the things for which we pray. Inspire us to respond to calls for aid for people who lack basic necessities of living. Transform us to be sources of compassion, goodness, and love for others, even forgiving those who hurt us. Motivate us to live as agents of your healing in a broken world.
Thank you, God, for your church and its connections of faithful believers with whom we share your blessings. Thank you for the clergy, staff, leaders, teachers and volunteers who make Church Street United Methodist a community of grace in action. “Lord of all, of church and kingdom, in an age of change and doubt keep us faithful to the gospel; help us work your purpose out.”*
As we seek your wisdom, guidance and direction, hear and respond to these earnest prayers of others in our congregation. Hold close all represented here with your loving presence and comfort.
We pray for …
- One who is wanting to complete her college degree
- A nephew who is having to wait until December for surgery for herniated disc. Prayers for ‘in the meantime’ as he waits .. may he be willing to ask for help from family and friends. Prayers that the surgery will bring healing! He is 32 years old and has never had any health concerns or surgeries! Praying for his emotional health as well as physical!
- One who has been diagnosed with PTSD. May the diagnosis bring clarity and healing as she moves forward, day by day.
- A mom who is concerned about her child’s struggle with reading. May they both get the help they need to overcome hardship.
- For pets and animals in our care; may people respect all of God’s creatures.
- All those who are anxious about federal shutdown and what it means for their families; especially those who receive SNAP benefits. Lord, in your mercy!
- Government leaders to move beyond creating division and bring stability to our nation and state.
- Those in the path of Hurricane Melissa; people in Cuba.
We continue to pray for …
- All those who are grieving recent deaths and those who are remembering years gone by!
- Two daughters grieving the unexpected death of their mother.
- A couple who are grieving after IVF disappointment; prayers as they consider options for starting a family.
- Friends and family who are struggling and have special needs.
- A member continuing to deal with health issues related to congestive heart failure.
- Those dealing with addiction; especially those looking for treatment and not finding resources.
- So many in our congregation dealing with cancer treatments and caring for those with cancer.
We give thanks for ….
- A job offer!
- Birth of a grandson
- Friends who take the time to listen.
- Those who have completed Stephen Ministry training this week.
As we share these concerns with you, help us to trust the hope and promises of the prayer that your Son has taught us to pray, as we pray it together:
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.
* From hymn 660, God Is Here
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