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:
+ We plead that you renew and strengthen our commitment and courage to face the painful truth of gun violence in our country — to prevent gun violence. Guide us as we attend to traumatized individuals, families, and communities. Embolden us to advocate for common-sense gun safety laws.
+ 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. Help your church to be an open and welcoming place for all. (Learn more with the ELCA European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice Facebook page and website.)
+ We lift up the anti-racism teams in our congregations - and those who are in process of developing such teams - grant them wisdom and endurance in their efforts to educate and make changes within their communities. We hold in prayer our synod's Strategic Team for Authentic Diversity as they meet tomorrow and as they continue to provide rostered leaders with education and resources that enable us to dismantle white supremacy in ourselves, our congregations and the wider church.
+ 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 https://www.ldrwest.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 lift up the family and friends of Deacon Erma Lee following her death on January 1. We give thanks for the many gifts she shared during her active and retired years. Erma served on the staff of the Region 1 of the ELCA and previously on the staff of the North Pacific District of the American Lutheran Church. (Cards of condolence for the family may be sent to Erma's daughter: Karen Parnall, 4933 128th Place SE, Everett, WA 98208. Her memorial service will be held at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle on March 12 at 2pm.)
We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:
+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns:
Rev. COnrad Tollefson, Rev. Chris Boerger, Abi Griffith (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Deacon Nan Beth Walton, Rev. Ron Melver.
+ We lift up Rev. Dan Peterson (Queen Anne, Seattle) and extended family as his mother, Olga Peterson, has been placed on hospice care after a ten-year battle against ovarian cancer. God of Hope, surround them with your love, comfort and peace.
+ We pray for those who are struggling with substance abuse and addictions. We pray for those who are working to rebuild their lives and relationships through sobriety and the support of companions who understand the challenges of recovery. We pray that they will have faith in God’s unwavering love and forgiveness in moments of despair, joy, accomplishment, and stumbling.
+ We pray for all who are facing health challenges that keep them homebound. May your love flow through us as we visit and support them.
We pray for your church:
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- we lift up those from our synod and around the globe who are gathering this week in Thailand for the Asian Lutheran International Conference;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the Delaware-Maryland Synod and their bishop, the Rev. William Gohl.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Wendell Hendershott, Rev. Paul Hoffman, and Rev. Susan Hookham.
-- we pray for the leaders who are guiding ministries in a time of transition: transition teams, call committees, transition ministers, care pastors, congregational staff and lay leaders, and our synod staff;
-- we lift up Deacon Roselyn Olson as she enters retirement, giving thanks to God for the many gifts she has shared with St. Luke's Lutheran Church (Bellevue) and the synod;
-- we lift up the Synod Staff as they prepare to welcome new Synod Administrator, Tabetha Myatt next week;
-- for the congregation of Clearbook Lutheran Church as they prepare to share in their final worship service together on Sunday, January 22. We give thanks to God for their many years of faithful mission and ministry. We trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance as they continue to share God's love in their communities.
-- 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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