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 weary, broken, lost, or frightened;
+ open our hearts and minds to hear your word and call;
+ reform in us what needs reforming;
+ 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 your world and your people:
+ God of Life and Love:
-Be with those who suffer miscarriages.
-Be with those who are happily pregnant.
-Be with those who are in difficult or unwanted pregnancies.
-Be with those who desperately want to become pregnant but are unable to do so.
-Be with those whose circumstances lead them to end a pregnancy.
-Be with those who mother children not their own.
-Be with those who mother their own children.
-Be with those who have complicated relationships with their mothers.
-Be with those who have complicated relationships with their children.
-Be with each of us as we advocate for and walk alongside all of your beloved people.
-May your love and grace reign supreme.
+ We ask God to renew and strengthen our commitment and courage to face the painful truth of gun violence in our country — to prevent gun violence; attend to individuals, families and communities traumatized by it; advocate for common-sense gun safety laws; and care for the perpetrators of violent acts.
+ Our prayers arise for the fear, loss, and devastation in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. May a wise peaceful path be found and followed soon. We pray for all who are in danger and all who have had to flee their homes. We pray for those families who have lost loved ones. Loving God, may your peace reign.
+ We pray for those who are without home or shelter. We lift up the ministries in our synod working to help create and provide better access to shelter and care.
+ We remember in prayer students at college, university, and seminary as they prepare for final exams, celebrate graduation, or seek to begin their careers, that they might find opportunities to use their gifts, faith, and passion in service to their neighbors and communities.
+ We pray for those places, people, animals, and land affected by the devastation of natural disasters: drought, flooding, earthquakes, fire, and storms. 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 with our regional partners at www.region1beprepared.org.
We pray for those who are grieving:
+ Gracious God, wrap your arms of love and hope around all who are experiencing any kind of loss, disconnection, or brokenness;
We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:
+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns:
Pr. Christine Finsand, Abi Griffith (daughter of Pr. Eric Griffith), Dn. Nan Beth Walton, Pr. Ron Melver, Pr. Mikkel Hustad, Pr. Al Bruck, Brenda Kidd (wife of Pr. Tom Kidd), and David Hillesland, father of Pr. Ivar Hillesland (Church of the Apostles, Seattle).
+ 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 pray for your church:
+ During this Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we praise God for the Asian and Pacific Islander members, congregations, and ministries of our synod and the ELCA. We are grateful for God’s rich gifts of culture, language, and heritage. Continue to open our ears and eyes in the ways to welcome, honor, partner, and advocate for these beloved neighbors.
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- Clearbrook Lutheran Church (Nooksack) and their lay leadership;
-- Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church (Seattle) and Pr. Bryon Hansen, Pr. Anne Lohrmann, Deacon Patrick Meagher, and Vicar Sara Funkhouser;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Mike Girlinghouse.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Paul Shoup, Herbert Siefkes, and Arda Skinner.
+ We give thanks for these rostered ministers celebrating milestones in the month of May:
20 years: Pr. Sue Schneider (recently moved to Texas)
45 years: Pr. Michael Clifford
60 years: Pr. Bob Winkel
-- we pray for the leaders who are guiding ministries in a time of transition: transition teams, call committees, transition ministers, care pastors, congregation staff and lay leaders, and synod staff;
-- we pray for all who are in discernment and/or awaiting call.
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 your calling;
+ Trusting in your mercy and grace, we lift our prayers to you.
Amen.
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Please note: direct permission is needed prior to inclusion.
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