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;

+ help us to forgive as you forgive;

+ 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 be and share your Good News.

We pray for your world and your people:

+ March is Women’s History Month. We give thanks for women throughout history and in our lives who have shared their gifts and leadership with the church and society, raised and cared for us, inspired us and nurtured our faith, and fought for justice, equity and inclusion. We pray for women everywhere who suffer injustice, demeaning stereotypes, violence and poverty - that they will not lose hope but will be delivered from their suffering and persecution to live freely and boldly. May we rise to bring this about!

+ We pray for the safety and well-being of all people living in the midst of fear and violence. We fervently pray for your Spirit's wisdom for our world leaders in this time to seek your way of peace. May there be peace among nations.

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

+ 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 engaged and generous partners with Lutheran Disaster Response.

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 of Helen Hustad following her death on March 7, including her husband, Rev. Jack Hustad, and son, Rev. Mikkel Hustad. Surround them with your love and care - and the hope of your promise of new life in you. (Memorial service is being planned for after Easter at First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach, Shoreline.)

We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:

+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns: Abi (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Rev. Paul Feiertag, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Rev. Ron Melver, Rev. Maynard Atik, and Ruben (father of SALM Edward Reyes), Raja and Ilyas (brothers to Ministry Candidate Nisar Stephen).

+ We hold Rev. Marjorie Lorant (retired), Rev. Joanne Engquist (Gethsemane, Seattle) and Rev. Malcom Brown (Morning Star, Monroe) in prayer as they continue to recover from recent surgeries.

+ We pray for those people for those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, loneliness, and grief. Help us be mindful of ways we may care for them - reminding them of your love and grace.

+ 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 those who are experiencing memory loss and dementia, their loved ones, and those who provide care. May your love and peace provide comfort.

We pray for your church:

+ 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 seek to provide leaders with education and resources that enable us to dismantle white supremacy in ourselves, our congregations, and the wider church. 

+ We lift up the congregations of our synod as they face change and challenges - in the culture, in their leadership, in their attendance, in their capacity, in their vitality. Help us look to you for guidance, encouragement, and hope.

+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders: 

-- for Foss Home & Village and the Chaplain, Rev. Sara Funkhouser;

-- for Synod Staff - and Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee, Rev. Andy Yee, Rev. Judy Brennan, Rev. Herb Shao, Tabetha Myatt, Susan Berg, for the LiVE Project leaders Rev. David Hahn and Mandy Neill, for our Synod Director of Properties, Jay Edgerton;

-- for our Synod Council as they gather this Saturday;

-- for Lutheran Community Services Northwest;

-- for our Companion Synod The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;

-- for the Lower Susquehanna Synod and their bishop, the Rev. James Dunlop.

+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we lift up in prayer these retired (but active!) ministers: Rev. Coe Hutchison, Rev. Joel Ingebritson, and Rev. Mel Jacob.

+ 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 Rev. Jenna Bergeson who has resigned her call and will share her final Sunday with Trinity, Lynnwood. Loving God, lead and bless Pastor Jenna on her next steps. Guide the leaders and people of Trinity as they enter this transition time.

-- we lift up Rev. Rachel San Diego as she is installed as one of the pastors at St. Matthew's, Renton this Sunday at 3pm. God bless this new ministry partnership!

-- 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.