God of life and breath, you are our source of hope.
+ We give thanks for your gifts of life and love;
+ sustain us when we are feeling broken, lost or frightened;
+ open our hearts and minds to hear your word and call;
+ inspire us to be your hands and voice in your world;
+ strengthen us to take action to seek justice for our neighbors;
+ grant us courage and creativity to joyfully share your Good News.
We pray for our world, nation, and local communities.
+ God of all people, we lift to you this nation. We pray for reconciliation and healing in this country. We pray for a way forward where all people are treasured and supported. Instill in us the strength and wisdom to join in your way of peace, justice and love.
+ Guide us to recognize our prejudices and empower us take action to eliminate the persistent institutional racism that permeates our world, country, communities, courts, church, and hearts.
+ We are mindful of the recent statement issued by our siblings of the Asian and Pacific Islander Association of the ELCA - addressing the increase in violence directed toward Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. God of all, with wonderful diversity of languages and cultures you created all people in your own image. Free us from prejudice and fear, that we may see your face in the faces of our Asian siblings and people around the world; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. (Adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship Occasional Services for the Assembly, p.398) (Find additional resources regarding this statement here and here.)
+ We lift up those communities where insecurity, violence, and fear are the norm. Help us to bring healing, wholeness, and safety to these siblings. Inspire our leaders and guide us to be better advocates for the sake of each member in our community - especially those who have little power and no voice.
+ We pray for those who are hungry. Stir us to action to lift up our neighbors and seek policies that support them. We give thanks for our partnership with ELCA World Hunger - helping us find sustainable solutions to end hunger and provide nourishment domestically and abroad.
+ We pray for those places, people, and animals affected by natural disasters. Grant safety in the midst of chaos and fear; grant strength to those affected as they recover and rebuild. Help us to be generous partners with Lutheran Disaster Response and encourage our mindful work in disaster preparedness: www.region1beprepared.org.
+ We lift up all in our communities who provide emergency services - those who respond first to bring aid: emergency medical workers, firefighters, community volunteers, and police. Grant them wisdom and safety in their work.
We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:
+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns: Glen Aaberg, Christine Finsand, Abi Griffith, Nan Beth Walton, Pam Miles, and Ron Melver.
+ We pray for those who are awaiting diagnoses and treatment plans. Grant them peace and courage. Remind them that they are not alone.
+ We mourn with our fellow siblings as this pandemic continues to claim lives and livelihoods.. Bring peace and comfort to the families whose loved ones have died. Grant healing for those diagnosed and recovering. Protect and sustain medical workers, care providers, first responders, and chaplains. Guide those working to improve testing, creating additional vaccines, and providing effective vaccine distribution. Sustain for those who are facing financial uncertainty due to loss of income. Help us all to be wise and vigilant in our actions.
+ We pray for our neighbors who are fearful or in danger in their relationships. Sustain those who protect, support, and advocate for people who are experiencing domestic violence. (Reach out here for help: https://wscadv.org/get-help-now/)
+ We lift up those experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Empower us to reach out to those who need care and support.
+ For those who are in despair, remember you are loved. You are never beyond God's mercy, grace, and love.
1-800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Hotline)
1-888-628-9454 (Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio)
1-800-799-4889 (TTY)
1-877-574-4729 (Trevor project/ LGBTQIA+ under 24)
1-877-565-8860 (Trans Lifeline/Trans Folx)
1-800-273-8255 (Veterans Crisis Line)
We pray for those who are grieving:
+ Loving God, wrap your arms of love and hope around all who are experiencing any kind of loss, disconnection, or brokenness.
We pray for your church:
+ As we journey through this Lenten season, call forth our prayers and acts of kindness, and strengthen us to face our mortality with confidence in the mercy of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. ~ELW page 26
+ We celebrate the many years of service of our retired pastors and deacons. This week we give thanks for these retired rostered ministers: Carl Moll, Valinda Morse, and Pat Moylan.
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries, their lay & rostered leaders:
-- Columbia City Church of Hope (Seattle) and Pr. Darla DeFrance;
-- Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Seatac) and Pr. Sam Sseba & Pr. Conrad Tollefson;
-- Mission to Seafarers;
-- for our Synod Council as they gather this weekend;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia.
-- grant them wisdom and patience (especially in these challenging days) as they discern where it is that you are leading them;
-- We lift up the leaders who are guiding ministries in a time of transition: transition teams, call committees, transition pastors, congregation staff and lay leaders, and synod staff.
May our prayers rise before you as incense.
+ Your mercy is everlasting and your faithfulness endures from age to age.
+ Sustain, uplift and encourage us as we live into this new year.
+ Trusting in your mercy and grace, we lift our prayers to you.
Amen.
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And on this day, a little nod to St. Patrick:
Christ with me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ in me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me
Christ on my right
Christ on my left
Christ when I lie down
Christ when I sit down
Christ when I arise
May the wisdom of God instruct us,
May the hand of God protect us,
May the word of God direct us...
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Please note: direct permission is needed prior to inclusion.
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