Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of October 30, 2024
Written by Rev. Catherine Nance
We come to the end of the month, O God who is timeless, and find ourselves hesitant as we prepare to turn the page over to November on Friday.
We wanted to rush through the days to get past news coverage of Helene, but allow us time to linger and see the beauty of our mountains and the colors of the leaves. We thank you for this part of the country and our willingness to help one another muck out, clean up, and rebuild. We love our creeks and rivers and trees. Forgive us for filling the air with such pollution and heat. We know that we as a nation can and must do better.
We wanted to rush through these last days of October to get to the election finally. It seems campaigns have lasted for years! But now, O God, we are fearful of the day after the election. Where will all the negative energy and the hateful speech go? May each of us practice extra kindness, more humility, responsible citizenship in these last days before the election so that we can carry on in positive ways afterwards. You are our guide, O Lord. We live in your kingdom. May our actions and words reflect that.
Many of us will rush this Wednesday night or tomorrow morning to purchase candy for trick-or-treaters! What joy to welcome strangers and give away treats! We tell monsters and princesses alike that they are welcome on our porch! And yet, we are quick to demonize adults we see each day who speak with a different dialect or look a little different. We question their legitimacy and do not say, “Welcome!” Whether they are wearing a doctor’s coat or crop picking garb, we wonder about ‘how they got here’ and ‘where they are from.’ Forgive our suspicions and prejudice. May we hear Jesus’ words to the welcome the stranger … even those who are not precious in our sight.
At the end of this month, O God, we mark our calendars to remind us to ‘change the clocks.’ Is it back an hour or up an hour? We curse those who came up with such an idea and we curse the clock on the microwave. Does it set itself like the clock on the phone? What about the car? Dear God, make us mindful that you are the one who makes our time meaningful. Forgive us when we curse it, dread it, wish for more, or try to control it. May the time you have given us be time that we know you are our God.
We spend time at the end of this day, O God, remembering loved ones who are hurting, people we love who are facing long illnesses and treatments, friends who are looking into an uncertain future. We thank you for the gift of prayer; thankful we can tell you anything, share our innermost angst and hopes. Thank you for listening to us. May we tune our ears to hear you, O God. May we hear your voice, may we hear your breath, as we pause in silence. And just take time … time to listen.
We pray….
- For a member who had surgery (thoracotomy) early this morning; will be in hospital for several days.
- For a member who is recovering from surgery to remove brain tumor; prayers for her as next steps are determined.
- For a dear friend who has glioblastoma and is choosing to fight this cancer; prayers for strength and encouragement
- For members who are in rehab; praying for strength and healing so they can return home.
- For one whose sister is now in hospice care; prayers for peace for her and her family.
- 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.
- For children who are struggling with anxiety. Elementary and preschool children who are already feeling pressures of school and what is expected. Prayers for parents as they discern how best to support.
- For a sister who has health issues and a sister who is caregiver.
- For adult children who are facing hearings; for parents who are navigating legal issues.
- For our country; prayers that we will be kind to one another
We continue to pray 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.
- A son who is dealing with depression and struggles with those in authority. May his counselor provide help. A mother prayers for salvation for her son and that he can return home soon.
- Those cleaning out from Helene; for all who are working to restore and rebuild.
- 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.
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.
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