“¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Lord, at New Year’s, we reflect on the past and look to our future. You are present in all things. We pray for our city this day, pray for a rebirth, a spiritual awakening, a living hope to be realized among all of our neighbors. In Frayser, Millington, Raleigh, Berclair, Nutbush, Germantown, Lakeland, the Heights, Binghampton, Vollentine-Evergreen, Central Gardens, Cooper Young, Glenwood, Klondike Smoky City, Cordova, Westwood, Soulsville, South Bluffs, Mud Island, Collierville, Eads, High Point Terrace, Pigeon Estates, The Villages, Whitehaven, Downtown, Uptown, French Fort, and more, Lord, work in the souls of the people. May You draw near to us.

When we look back at 2023, I pray that the stories at year end are of the change that Memphis has undergone, from people struggling to a community thriving. We pray for that nourishment and encouragement that comes from the Lord. We pray for men and women in the body of Christ coming together to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Do not let us grow weary in doing what is right. Shine forth Father, and lead us on. In Your name, Amen.

³¹ God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day” Genesis 1:31

Lord, tonight we lift up the line crews and pipe fitters working to bring back power and water to all of Memphis. Bless those working late shifts. Identify the breaks so that they may be repaired quickly.

Lord, may we not take for granted the ease and comfort of the utilities that we are used to. May we go forward as better stewards. Lord, even in disaster, You are there. You equip and prepare us for adverse events. May we learn from our experience as a community and prioritize the needs of our city. Work through MLGW, the various City Governments, TVA, and the County Commission to build stronger infrastructure. Raise up a body of willing community members to take this project on. May we not wait on someone else to save us when we know our Savior. May we walk in boldness and determination in strengthening our city. In Your name, Amen.

The generous will themselves be blessed,
    for they share their food with the poor. – Proverbs 22:9

Lord, with temperatures in the single digits and snow and ice on the roads, protect those at MLGW, TDOT, and other agencies working to keep the roads clear and safe. May those traveling tonight and in the early morning be careful and reach their destinations safely.

We pray for our neighbors that they have a warm place to sleep tonight and are cared for through these low temperatures. Bless those opening their homes this Christmas weekend to make sure others are taken care of.

Open our eyes to where we can assist in Your work. In Christ’s name, Amen.

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. (Proverbs 28:1)

Lord, tonight we lift up the Memphis Police Department and law enforcement in the city. Often they are called into situations beyond the police work of preventing crime, arresting perpetrators, and solving crimes. They are first responders. They work with the mentally ill. They see traumas and horrors regularly.

We thank the 76 men and women who have decided they want to protect and serve and congratulate them on their recent graduation from the Police Academy. We ask for the Father’s protection over them in their new roles.

We pray for the nearly 2000 officers that currently serve, that they act with courage and boldness, while also being an example for our community. We pray that You grant them wisdom and discernment when navigating tense situations. Lord, may Your presence be with them.

Also, Lord, with this winter weather approaching, we pray for warmth for our vulnerable, open doors and resources to keep them safe. Protect the heating and plumbing systems of the city. In Your name, Amen.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. . . . But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:4–5, 7)

At lunch today, I heard business leaders rally for the city we love. We are building a Memphis that is Greater. Greater for all.

Yesterday afternoon, a man was stabbed to death less than a mile from where this Chamber of Commerce luncheon was held, in a section of the city, The Edge, that has seen significant improvement in the past 7 years.

C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity ““If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” In response to this quote and the verse form Jeremiah, I can only hope and pray that this current state is exile. We hold onto the promises of the New Jerusalem while trying to flourish while here. We dream of Eden but live cast out.

Tonight, Lord, be with those who mourn Phil Godwin’s senseless death and Antwon Freeman’s senseless act. We can’t understand why bad things like this happen. We are reminded Lord, that in this fallen world, we are never truly safe. We pray for protection for our loved ones and for ourselves. We pray for the day when we encourage our neighbor instead of fear them. Lord, bring this day closer.

We lift up the leadership of the Memphis Chamber of Commerce. Bless Ted Townsend and his team in creating opportunities for all businesses seeking to operate here. We pray for discernment and wisdom in how to recruit and sustain local employers. We pray for their ability to generate wealth for the benefit of the community while doing so ethically and responsibly. We pray for those businesses working each day to do a good job honestly. Bless their work.

Lord, we pray for this city, our city, where too many tears are shed and hope is distant. Come close, Father, and bring new life, that Your children may bear fruit while preparing for the New Jerusalem. Amen.