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Weekly Prayer Message
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. 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 this week to plan to provide leaders with education and resources that enable us to dismantle white supremacy in ourselves, our congregations and the wider church. 

+ We pray for all who seek refuge. May we find ways to support them in their time of crisis. (Support our new neighbors - Lutheran Community Services NW - lcsnw.org/ and Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service - lirsconnect.org/get_involved/action_center/siv)

+ We pray for those places, people, animals, and land affected by the devastation of natural disasters: drought, flooding, earthquakes, fire, and storms. May God's presence bring comfort to those in Turkey and Syria affected by their recent earthquakes. 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 Rev. Heidi Calhoun (Nativity and Cross & Crown, Renton) and her family as her mother, Anita, has been placed on hospice care. May they know your presence and love in these holy days.

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, Abi Griffith (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Deacon Nan Beth Walton, Rev. Ron Melver.

+ We lift up Rev. John LaMunyon and family as they gather to support his brother Jim who fell and suffered a tramatic brain injury. Grant Jim strength and may healing abound.

+ 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: 
-- Kent Lutheran Church and their lay leadership team as they enter this time of transition following Rev. Jane Prestbye's retirement at the end of January;
-- for ministry interns on our territory this year: Matt Doryland at Trinity/Everett and LINC/Marysville; Jory Mickelson at Christ/Ferndale; Lori Cavender at Edison/Bow and Celebration/Anacortes; Anna Czarnik-Neimeyer at Pointe of Grace/Mukilteo; and Callie Moothart at Mount Cross/University Place (in SW WA Synod).
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the South Carolina Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Ginny Aebischer.

+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Carl Jensen, Rev. Laurie Johnson, and Rev. Mark R. Johnson.

+ We pray for ministries and leaders in transition.
-- 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 Sister Jessica Zimmerle and Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light as she concludes her time as Program Director. Blessings to all as they enter this time of discernment and transition;
-- 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. 
Email susan@lutheransnw.org if you have a prayer petition or update.
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Northwest Washington Synod / ELCA
5519 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
206-783-9292