God of life and breath, you are our source of hope:

+ You see us;

+ You love us;

+ 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:

-- As we conclude this Arab American Heritage Month, we remember in prayer the diverse gifts, stories and cultures of our Arab and Middle Eastern siblings in Christ, who remind us of the church’s rich history and tradition. We ask God to bless the advocacy, witness, leadership development and ministry support provided by ELCA Arab and Middle Eastern Ministries and the Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage. (Learn more here: www.elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Ethnic-Specific-and-Multicultural-Ministries/Arab-and-Middle-Eastern)

+ We cry out in sorrow and anger and grief with the news of more violent deaths of our siblings this week - for the victims of hatred, for the victims of racism. Lord, have mercy. Lord, open our eyes. Lord, renew and strengthen our commitment and courage to face, confront, and change the painful truth of both racism and gun violence in our country.

+ 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 meeting tomorrow 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 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 encouragement, wisdom and safety in their work.

+ We pray for the safety and well-being of those impacted by war and violence; we pray for peace, wisdom, justice, repentance and reconciliation. We give thanks for the assistance provided by Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and our partners and companion churches. (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. Grant safety in the midst of chaos and fear; grant strength to those affected as they recover and rebuild. We pray for the safety of firefighters, first responders, members of the National Guard, disaster response volunteers, relief agencies, and neighbors who respond to individuals and communities in times of severe weather and natural disaster. Help us to be generous partners with Lutheran Disaster Response and encourage our mindful work in disaster preparedness with our regional partners at www.region1beprepared.org.

We pray for those who are grieving:

+ Gracious God, wrap your arms of love, peace, and hope around all who are experiencing any kind of loss, disconnection, or brokenness.

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 (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Rev. Paul Feiertag, Deacon Nan Beth Walton, Jim (brother of Rev. John LaMunyon), Rev. Ron Melver, Gina (spouse of Rev. Scott Peterson), and Rev. Philip Maakestad.

+ We give thanks for school counselors, social workers and psychologists who care for students and their diverse needs. We pray that all children and youth will have access to affordable, effective and supportive mental health services.

We pray for your church:

+ We pray for programs and partners of the ELCA churchwide organization that support young adults as they grow in faith and discover who God is calling them to be in the world, including ELCA Young Adult Ministry, Young Adults in Global Mission, Young Adult Justice Network, Campus Ministry, and Outdoor Ministries.

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

-- Bethesda Lutheran Church (Mountlake Terrace) and Rev. Heidi Fish;

-- Ministry with International Students and Scholars at the University of Washington and Rev. Joseph Li;

-- the lay leaders of our synod congregations;

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

-- for the Pacifica Synod and their bishop, the Rev. David Nagler

+ We give thanks for the many years of many year of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Valinda Morse, Deacon Patricia Moylan, and Rev. Martha Myers.

+ 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 celebrate with Rev. JT Burk as he is installed as the new pastor at Prince of Peace, Shoreline this Saturday, April 29 at 1pm - God bless this new ministry partnership!

-- we celebrate with Ministry Candidate, John Smithies, as he is ordained and installed as the new pastor at Atonement Lutheran Church in Newport, Oregon. 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.

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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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