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 our world, nation, and local communities.
+ During this Arab American Heritage Month, we give thanks for the diverse gifts, cultures, heritages, and stories of our Arab and Middle Eastern neighbors and siblings in Christ, who remind us of the rich history and tradition of Christ’s church in the world. May God bless and advance the advocacy, witness, leadership development, and support for ministries provided by ELCA Arab and Middle Eastern Ministries and the Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage. (Join an online celebration - April 28, 4pm here: bit.ly/ALAMEHCelebration)
+ 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 hungry. Stir us to action to lift up our neighbors and seek policies that support them. We give thanks for our Synod Hunger Team and our partnership with ELCA World Hunger - helping us collaborate our efforts, find sustainable solutions to end hunger, and provide nourishment domestically and abroad.
+ 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.
+ We lift up all in our communities who provide emergency services - those who respond first to bring aid: emergency medical workers, firefighters, community volunteers, and police. Grant them wisdom and safety in their work.
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 Pr. Malcolm Brown (Morning Star, Monroe), his wife Charlie, and their family following the death of Charlie's brother, Tom Tviet. Loving God, comfort them and grant them peace as they grieve.
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, and Brenda Kidd (wife of Pr. Tom Kidd.)
+ We lift up David Hillesland, father of Pr. Ivar Hillesland (Church of the Apostles, Seattle) who is receiving hospice care at home - surround and comfort them with your love and peace;
+ We lift up all who experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. May they feel God's loving and healing embrace. Empower us to reach out to those who need care and support. For those who are in despair, remember you are loved. You are never beyond God's mercy, grace, and love.
We pray for your church:
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- the Central States Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Susan Candea;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Dan Selmann, Jane Shen and Peter Shen.
-- 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;
-- we lift up Dustin Hamren who will be ordained into Word and Service ministry (and installed) on Saturday, April 30 at 2pm at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Lynnwood - God bless this new ministry partnership;
-- we lift up Pr. Charis Weathers and the congregation of Burlington Lutheran as she is installed as their pastor on Sunday, May 1 at 2pm.
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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