Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family
Week of September 21, 2022
Rev. Catherine Nance
He’s got the whole world in his hands …He’s got the whole world in his hands ..
He’s got the whole world in his hands …. He’s got the whole world in his hands!
God of the world, many of us heard this song sung on Sunday afternoon as we gathered to talk about caregiving. It reminded us of children singing this song at VBS and doing all the hand motions: Itty-bitty babies – you and me sister – whole world. These songs we learn as children are full of truth and create in us a firm foundation on which to stand later in life when we cannot recall the words we are looking for.
You have the whole world in your hands O God …
We have seen beautiful images of your world this week. Friends have shared pictures of hiking trips and cruises. We see your majesty in creation with the Smoky Mountains and beautiful rivers and lakes in our line of vision each day. While we are lifting our eyes to the hills, we know there are others who are looking over flooded homes in Pakistan. There are farmers who are looking at crops that have burned up from heat. We love the beauty of your earth, O God. Forgive us when we use and abuse this earth and do not take care of it. We pray for communities, industries, and countries to be aware of how we pollute and then convict us, O Maker of Heaven and Earth, to change our ways. May we not so selfish and self-centered; may we sing about your world instead of our world.
He’s got the whole world in his hands ….
We have seen stark contrasts of your world. There were pictures of majesty and beauty and order and reverence as we watched Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession with all of the bright and beautiful colors. Then the images that all appear to be grey; Russian and Ukrainian soldiers and the bombed remains of cities. We have no words to fill in the in-between. We know that the funeral was just a snapshot in history and not all of the history is beautiful. Images of war often leave out the images of hopeful and happy families struggling in the midst of war – Russians and Ukrainians alike. Help us to imagine a place where order, beauty, color, and peace is the reality. May we honor one another’s humanity and see each other as your children in your world.
He’s got the whole world in his hands ….
We sometimes say things like, “How can God care about me when God has the whole world?” But, you do care. You care for us as a mother cares for her children. You have promised to be with us and to hear our prayers. We do pray for your world, O God, but with confidence that you know all we care about, we offer now the prayers from our part of your world – the people we know and live with and care for. Thank you for hearing the prayers we offer from our church family …
We pray for…
- A friend who is traveling to Africa several times this month
- A friend who is dealing with depression; may upcoming medical appointment help with answers
- A wife and mother recently diagnosed with cancer
- An aunt grieving the death of her niece
- Those who are dealing with chronic pain
- Those members who are acting as caregiver; give them strength and the courage to ask for help.
- A time of rest, healing, and hope for a couple who are waiting on test results and calls from medical team
- Caregivers who are tending to family members each and every day; prayers for their health. May they find some rest and peace.
- For a young daughter who had surgery this morning; may her healing be swift! And parents experience relief!
- The people of Puerto Rico and all those in Hurricane Fiona’s path
- The people of Pakistan
- Families who are making decisions about future health care needs for a beloved family member
Continued prayers for…
- Young adults making the transition from high school to college and career; changes in families
- Those in between scans and tests; those who have been cleared ‘for now’ and who are always aware of disease but living in hope and health
- For peace of mind for those dealing with difficult situations
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…
- For Children’s Hospital and the wonderful staff there!
- For a new house and a new job!
- For the leadership and life of UMC Bishop Bob Spain (retired) who died last week at age 96!
- For strides our church has made in being accessible to all people
- For Pastor Hank’s sermon and presence last Sunday
- For the Parish Health Ministry Team and the Caregiving workshop they offered. Thankful for resources!
- Safe return back home and the ability to sleep in one’s own bed after a long journey!
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.
