Why Do We Pray?

Prayer is the practice of the presence of God. It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is the place of admitting our need, of adopting humility, and claiming dependence upon God. Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7

Father, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Hands closed in prayer on an open bible

Please pray for Cheryl Miller, a friend of Jeff Wilchinski since grade school.  She has stage 4 cancer and heart disease. Pray for God to intervene with a miracle.

Pray for Joy Henry, a friend of Cathy Reitmyer.  Joy is waiting to receive a kidney transplant.  She also has heart problems and is diabetic.  Pray for healing and strength.

Please pray for Joyce Hutchinson. She is starting infusions for cancer! Pray that her treatment is successful

Please pray for Larry Bossman. He’s going to rehab after a possible stroke! Pray that he gets proper care

URGENT: Pam Sabo has had recent open heart surgery to repair a heart valve.  Unfortunately, there have been various  issues with her recovery and she still needs our prayers.  Today, Monday, September 24th Pam had to have another procedure to control her pulse rate.  Please pray for Pam and Danny during this difficult time.

Bob & Babs Howard request prayers for Barry Evans. He has suffered broken bones in his back and a broken foot! Please pray for a quick recovery.

Diane Nelli asks for prayers for her neighbor, Russ Gotberg, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will be going for radiation treatment.

Ginny Poe is asking for prayers for her best friend, Helen Srodek who was taken to the hospital in terrible pain. She is having serious thyroid cancer surgery on Tuesday, 9/12. Pray for a successful surgery & recovery.

Sylvia Millisor asks for prayers for Karen Kellogg who recently had surgery. Karen is home recuperating! She still needs our prayers as she’s in a lot of pain!

Please Pray for Sylvia Millisor's Mom, June Conrad.  She's in the hospital with multiple health issues that need to be addressed.

Please pray for God to continue to send divine appointments to our chaplains so they can minister in Christ’s love. Also please pray for their vitality of faith as they represent the Lord in a secular environment which can be extremely challenging. Pray they be bold and courageous and at the same time balance grace with truth speaking with wisdom and discernment to their leaders and those under their care. (Marc Gauthier)56

We have heard from Nancy Weston that Don Seifried is home and doing much better.  Thank you for your prayers.   Continue to pray for healing and strength for our friend Don and his family.

Please Pray for the people of Maui. Nearly 100 people died. Also many others are homeless after wildfires swept the island. Hundreds of buildings were demolished.

Please pray for Jean Gorney to have a successful knee replacement on Monday, August 21, 2023 and for her recovery to go well. 

Please pray for Heather Spence, a friend of Dane Hine.  Heather is having gall bladder surgery on Thursday, 8/17.  Pray for a successful surgery and healing.

Please pray for Joi Thrash, a teacher in Michigan, she has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.  Joi has a 16 year old son at home.  Pray for healing and strength for Joi and her family.

It is with great sadness I have to tell you that Dave Zecher passed away earlier this morning,Tuesday, 8/8/2023.  Dave was a beloved member of our church and a past deacon.  He will be greatly missed.  Please pray for Sherri and their family in this difficult time.  We will remember Dave during our worship on Sunday 8/13 with a moment of silence and a memorial candle.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the church at a future date.

Diane Dresback is asking for prayers for Chris Colgrove. Chris has been having pain in her upper back and will be having Kyphoplasty on Thursday 7/27. Please pray for a successful outcome and pain relief. Thank you all.

Leslie Muhlhauser is asking for prayers for a neighbor's daughter Kathleen. She is 47, disabled, and has be diagnosed with cancer. A total hysterectomy is in the plan. Please pray for physical and emotional comfort for her and her family.

Nancy Doggett is requesting prayers for her brother Harold Bailey. He fell and broke his hip in two places 3 weeks ago. He is in a rehab center presently. Please pray for a successful rehab and pain relief. He and his family live in Vermont near where there is extensive flooding. Please pray for all those people who are dealing with this disaster. Thank you.

Leslie Muhlhauser is requesting prayers for her friend Melissa who is struggling with a serious mental break since early June. Please pray she continues to reach out to her support therapist, groups and friends.

Please pray for Rick Nelli's son, Derek, who was recently in a terrible auto accident.  Although Derek is physically doing ok a motorcyclist was killed and there is a great deal of trauma for all the families involved.  Pray for Derek and his wife, Tara, as they struggle through the coming days.  Also, pray for the motorcyclist's family.

Please pray for young Gary from Ecuador. A horrible earthquake took the lives of his mother, father and little brother.  Gary is still in the hospital.  Pray for his emotional and physical healing.

Please pray for Dawn and Jim Keough's son-in-law, Ryan Akers, who is in the hospital in Tennessee. He is in ICU on a ventilator. Thank you all.

Please pray for the family of Albert Kaufman.  Albert, a US Army veteran, was the father of our church CPA, Linda Walk.  Pray for Albert's widow, Edith Kaufman during this difficult time.

Please pray for Ed Simon.  Ed has fractured his leg and is in rehab.  Also, pray for his wife Cleo as she tries to help him through this difficult time.  Pray for Ed's faith to rise to this challenge and give him strength.

Please pray for Cathie Janson.  Cathie is the wife of the Chairperson of the MLK Committee, Bob Janson.  Cathie is having a great deal of pain and needs prayer for comfort and healing.

Please pray for Rev. John Fueller.  John is currently in rehab in York, Pennsylvania after a fall in his home that left him unable to walk.  Pray for healing and strength.

Please pray for the Starkweather's son-in-law, Russ Anderson.  Russ suffered a stroke recently.  Please pray for Russ and his wife Kristi.  Ask the Lord for strength, healing and patience. Russ is now home and having speech therapy.

Please pray for Tracey Curtis.  Tracey is in stage 4 of ovarian cancer.  She is a good friend of Mary Starkweather's daughter, Jami.  Let's join together with prayers for healing, courage and a miracle.

Please pray for Doris, a 90 year old friend of Jan Doran.  Doris fell and broke her hip on 5/20.  She will be having surgery soon.  Pray for successful surgery, healing and therapy.  May she have renewed health and peace.

Please pray for James Howard.  James is the son of our friend Mike Howard and lives in Michigan.  Jim will be having a root canal on Monday, 5/22.  Following the dental work he will begin a series of 20 treatments for throat cancer.  Please pray for healing and strength to weather the treatment program.  Thank y

Elaine Warren is requesting prayers for Susan Darling. Susan is going to have brain surgery in the near future. Pray for a successful surgery and a good rehabilitation. Thank you.

Mike Howard, long time part of our church family, asks for prayers for his son Jim.  Jim was recently diagnosed with throat cancer.  Mike and Jim both live in Michigan.  Please pray for healing and a successful treatment plan.  Also, pray for Mike during this difficult time.  Thank you.

Please pray for Dottie Blankenship, known to LoveInc, who is being treated for fluid on her lungs. Pray for successful treatment and healing. Thank you.

Candy DeGarmo is requesting prayers for Gloria Kelly, her daughter's mother-in-law, who is suffering from Degenerative joint disease and a recent broken wrist. Please pray for healing, pain relief and a lifting of her spirits. Thank you.

Ginny Poe is requesting prayers for her late husband Bill"s dearest friend Milo Karhu. Milo has cancer which has metastazied to his bones. Please pray for healing and comfort. Thank you.

Please pray for Dorothy Robertson who is not feeling well due to a number of health issues.  Pray for her to get good results from her doctor appointments this week.  Pray for strength and healing.

Annelle and Jack Baird are requesting prayers for their best friend's son, David Barton. David has been diagnosed with colon cancer and will be having 12 weeks of chemo. Please pray for David's tolerance to the chemo and a very positive result. Thank you.

Please pray for a fellow named Nathan who called the Infant and Toddler Pantry today asking for prayers.  Nathan is going through a difficult time and needs our prayers to surround him with the Spirit of God.  Pray for peace

Darla Webb is requesting prayers for her friends 18 yr. old grandson Jasper Jawanda. His cancer has returned with multiple tumors and is beginning a new chemo regimen. Please pray for a healing, courage and comfort for this young man and his family.

Please pray for Sam Kemp.  Sam is from Pennsylvania and has had a stroke that has caused him several issues.  Pray for healing and strength to face the difficult days ahead.  Prayers requested by the Andrew Absher fam.

Sylvia Walden is requesting prayers for Debbie Skellum, her sister who has been newly diagnosed with lung cancer. Please pray for strength, healing and comfort for her and her fa

Please pray for Leo's 3 year old grandaughter with newly diagnosed probable Autism. Leslie and Leo are hopeful for continued avenues of testing,diagnosis and support services to benefit their little one and her family.

Please pray for the family and friends of Bruce Taylor.  Bruce passed away on 1/7.  He was the cousin of Darla Webb.  Pray for comfort and peace at this time of sadness.

Ginny Poe requests prayers for Joseph Carmichael who is battling cancer.  This has happened to Joseph before and he will need strength for the battle. His cancer is currently being treated in Boston. Thank yopu for your prayers.

Karen Lewis is requesting prayers for her daughter Jessica whose best friend's daughter has been diagnosed with leukemia. She is 14 years old and is in the hospital having a tough time. Please pray for this sweet, frightened girl and her family. Thank you.

Cleo Simon is requesting prayers for Edward Simon for healing of the wounds on his feet thus preventing a leg amputation. Also please pray for a stronger faith for Edward. Thank you

Pam Sabo is requesting prayers for her daughter Vickie's friend Decker Pettis. He has been hospitalized in Tampa, Fl. for a week in ICU and is paralized from the waist down and with other neurological issues. Please pray for healing and comfort for him, his family and Vickie. Thank you.

Please pray for Nancy Lampitoc.  Nancy, one of our church family for many years, has had a stroke.  Pray for healing and strength.

Leslie Muhlhauser is requesting prayers for her sister-in-law Beth who's sisters' spouse died suddenly in Sarasota, Fl. Please pray for this family at this very difficult time. Beth is now in a memory care facility for supervised care.

Please pray for Judy Seitter, a friend of Jessie Edwards, who had a hip replacement and is at Chatham Glen. She is being discharged this Friday and needs assistance at home. Pray for help from the discharge dept. and from her friends at her church.

Leslie Muhlhauser is requesting prayers for a co-worker at TVH who has had a reoccurrence of breast cancer after 9 years. She will find out her treatment options and go from there. She is going tom have radiation only as nodes and margins found to be clear. Please continue to pray for her and her family.

Barbara Kramer is requesting prayers for her friend Billie Sharp, a 20 something yr. old who was in a motorcycle accident. He has been flown to Orlando and appears to be in critical condition. Please pray for comfort and peace for this wonderful young man. Thank y

Please pray for Libby Regans daughter Kym. She has an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Her surgery has been postponed as the Dr.'s feel it is too early to do the surgery. They will continue to monitor Kym. Libby should be returning home to Fl. soon. Please keep Kym and her family in your prayers.

Please say a prayer for Pam and John.  They are looking for a place to rent that is quiet and private.  Pray that they are led to a place to live that provides them with the comfortable situation they desire.  Thank you.

A request from Leslie Muhlhauser :  pray for John, 24 year old nephew, who is battling some mental issues in York, Pa.  John needs are prayers that he can receive the help and care he needs, stabilize his medications, and find peace.  Please pray for him and his family.

Patty Adams is asking for prayers for her sister, Peggy Brennaman.  Peggy is in need of a lung transplant.  At just 4' 10" it requires someone small in stature to be the donor.  Peggy is currently in Indiana University Hospital.  Pray for a donor, successful surgery and complete recovery.  Thank you.

A prayer request from Leslie Muhlhauser for her brother-in-law, Thomas Gerz.  Thomas has had two bouts with cancer and successfully overcame the issues.  However, he was recently diagnosed with cancer again and there is fear it mighty involve the Pancreas.  Please pray for a miracle and the strength to move forward.  Update:  Thomas has restarted chemo.  Hoping to make a trip in October for a family celebration.  Continue to pray,

Please pray for a former church member in MI. Sally Gilles, who has a history of cancer and just recently sustained a fall. She is currently in the hospital but hopefully will be able to return home with help from friends. Thank you a.

Leslie Muhlhauser and Leo VanderMeer are requesting prayers for family friends and neighbors of Crystal age 51, who was killed in a tragic road rage incident in Va. Update: The 22 year old who shot Crystal has been charged with 2nd degree murder.  Basically two lives have been wasted over this awful incident.  Pray for all involved. There will be a trial in May.

Tami Blaze is requesting prayers. She remains in constant pain and has lost 30 pounds since she has worked at the pantry.  She is also asking for prayers for her brother Bill who has Parkinsons and brother-in-law Pete who is suffering with Alzheimer's. Thank you for your prayers and concern.

A prayer request from First Congregational Church in Clarkston, Michigan.  Lori, the church administrator, asks for prayers for her sister who suffered a stroke recently.  Pray for Janet to receive healing and strength.

Please pray for Chad Skaggs, a former US Marshall, and his family who are going through a very difficult time presently. Thank you.

Libby Regen is requesting prayers for her nephew Danny Bethard who has been battling bladder cancer for over 2 years.  He will be having additional bladder surgery on August 15th. Please pray for a successful surgery and a positive outcome.

Please pray for Edward Simon.  Ed is a veteran and is suffering from the effects of agent orange.  He is currently in rehab due to an infection.  His wife Cleo is a member of our church family and requests our prayers for Ed.  Pray for strength, healing and family.

Ken Roth is requesting prayers for his wife Kay who will be going to Winnie Palmer Hospital soon for cancer surgery. He also requested a prayer shaw for her. Please also pray for Ken as he goes through this difficult time with Kay. Thank you all for your prayers and concern

Mary Starkweather is requesting prayers for Natalie Andrews. She has a lesion on her lung and is going to Moffitt for treatment. She wants to thank everyone for their prayers for her great-grandson Jameson. He is growing and doing well. Natalie thanks everyone for the stability the church offers her. Please pray for successful treatment and recovery.

Jessie Edwards and family are requesting prayers for Dorothy Gruendler a friend who plays piano with their daughter at their church.  Dorothy, age 61, is in the hospital with COVID and pneumonia.  Pray for healing and strength.

Please pray for Dottie Landermann's son, Danny Coombs.  Danny has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and is under treatment.  Pray for healing and the success of the medical efforts being made for Danny.

Libby Regan is requesting prayers for her friend Sandra Hawthorn in Illinois who recently experienced a heart attack. Please pray for comfort and a full recovery for this younger very active lady.

Please pray for Michael Thompson who is in the hospital in Ohio with kidney failure.  His family asks for prayers for healing and strength for this difficult battle.

Cathy Reitmyer is requesting prayers for 7 year old Harry Hazlitt, from Olcott, Ny, who has been fighting cancer for 2 years. His cancer has returned in the forms of tumors in his brain and lungs. The cancer, Osterosurcoma, is very aggressive. Please pray for a healing miracle and comfort for

Dottie Landermann is requesting continued prayers for her brother Michael DelColle as he is still recovering from a fall 1 year ago resulting in a broken neck. He is recovering at home and needs prayers for increased mobility and pain relief. Thank you.

Dan and Pam Sabo are asking for prayers for their longtime friends, Bill and Nancy Orris.  Bill suffers from heart failure and Nancy with COVID and high fever.  They have called Hospice and Nancy is in the hospital.  Bill and Nancy come from Sabo's hometown

Please pray for Kathy Wright who is going through a difficult and painful time. Pray she receives comfort and peace.

Please pray for Pam and John Tracy.  They asked our church to pray for them as they weather some difficult issues.

Ray Gould is battling respiratory and other health issues.  Pray for healing, comfort and strength.  Also, pray for Ray's wife Sue.  The Gould's have been part of our church family for many years.

Candy DeGarmo is requesting prayers for Pam Sheehan.  Pam has been very ill with Crohn's Disease.  She also recently had a skin cancer removed from her arm.  Due to her medications she does not heal very well.  Please pray for Pam.

Karin Roosa is asking for prayers for her brother Jim Heikkila who will be having surgery on January 31th for a mass in his bladder. Please pray to guide the surgeons hands, a successful surgery and positive outcome. Thank you.

Ginny Poe Klenk is requesting prayers for a dear friend's husband in Maine. His name is Erick Schlapak who had a stroke and is recovering after surgery at Mass General Hospital. Please pray for a full recovery and for Erick's family. Thank you

Please pray for Caryl Peterson.  Caryl is a friend of Mary Starkweather and her brother, Bill.   She was diagnosed with lung cancer and will be starting radiation at Moffitt in Tampa next week.

Please pray for a member of Jim Keough's former pastorate in Michigan, Harry Moore.  Harry has had tests that reveal he has liver cancer. Treatment options are being considered. Please pray for healing and comfort.

Cathy Reitmyer is requesting prayers for her friend in Spruce Creek South, Rick Morressette. Last Friday he found out he has cancer and was told to go home and make the best of the time he has. Please pray for comfort both physically and emotionally for Rick and his friends and family. Thank you

Mary Starkweather is requesting prayers for Ron Baldak who is experiencing severe pain in his spine from degenerative disc disease and arthritis. He is only in his 50's from Waterford Mi. Please pray for comfort and healing. Thank you.

Jack and Annelle Baird are requesting prayers for their neighbor Dave Charles. He has been newly diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He received a prayer shaw today and needs our prayers for successful treatment and recovery. Thank you.

Please pray for Helga York,. She has been part of our church family for many years.  She now lives in New Hampshire in an assisted living facility.   Please send cards of greetings and encouragement to Helga York, 66 Hawthorne Dr.  Apt. 215, Bedford, NH 03110 (mark your card "Friend from The Congregational Church in Florida".

Jan Doran is requesting prayers for Dolores L'Homedieu. Dolores has kidney cancer, needs surgery and possible kidney donation/transplant. Please pray for a successful surgery.

The children who visit our Infant and Toddler Pantry and their families.

Please pray for Dawn Payzant.  Dawn has attended our services many times and is a good friend of Nancy Doggett.  Dawn lives in Nova Scotia.  She is currently suffering from an advancing case of Parkinson's Disease.

Please pray for Billie Thatcher's sister, Mary Lou Kovacs.  Mary Lou is suffering with severe memory issues.  Pray for her and husband

Pray for the necessary reforms to be brought about that will establish unity and justice for all citizens of our country.  May economic justice, police reform and an end to racism be established.

Pray for the families of the police officers and individuals who have been killed in the recent violence in our country.  Pray for the store and business owners who have lost everything to the senseless violence of the last few weeks.

Pray for the many people around the world who are suffering from the coronavirus.  Pray to stop the spread of this virus, halt the panic, heal the many children and elderly it is afflicting.