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:
+ Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day. We join our neighbors and siblings in Christ around the world in praying for the total inclusion, equity and advancement — social, economic and political — of women and girls everywhere. We give thanks for the work we do together through the ELCA International Women Leaders program, the Justice for Women program and ELCA World Hunger.
+ 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 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 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 the family and friends of Deacon Erma Lee has they gather to celebrate her life this Sunday. We give thanks for the many gifts she shared during her active and retired years. (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 Sunday, 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, Abi Griffith (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Rev. Paul Feiertag, Deacon Nan Beth Walton, Jim (brother of Rev. John LaMunyon) and Rev. Ron Melver.
+ We lift up Gina, spouse of Rev. Scott Peterson (Anacortes Lutheran), who is currently hospitalized. God of hope, be with Gina and Scott and the medical team as they discern a final diagnosis and treatment plan.
+ We lift up Rev. Philip Maakestad (retired) following a recent stroke – we pray for continued
healing and recovery (Phil has moved for rehabilitation to Kline Galland Home - Seward Park in Seattle.)
+ 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:
-- Advent Lutheran Church (Mill Creek) and Rev. Scott Postlewait and Rev. G. Lee Kluth;
-- Luther Memorial Lutheran Church (Seattle) and Rev. Sara Funkhouser;
-- for the ELCA Mission Developer Training Event taking place in Chicago this week and our DEM Deacon Dianne Johnson who is presenting at the event;
-- for ELCA Presiding Bishop, Rev. Elizabeth Eaton;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the Alaska Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Shelley Wickstrom.
+ We give thanks to God for all Rostered Ministers celebrating major ministry milestones during the month of March - including Deacon Janet Cederberg, (Lutheran Counseling Network) celebrating 20 years of ordination/commissioning. May God continue to bless her and her ministry.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Scott Kramer, Rev. Jim Kruse, and Rev. Joe Kutzke.
-- 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 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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