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 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 — to prevent gun violence. Guide us as we attend to traumatized individuals, families, and communities. Embolden us to advocate for common-sense gun safety laws.

+ Our prayers continue for the fear, loss, and devastation in war-torn areas of our world. 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 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 who are without home or shelter. We lift up the ministries in our synod working to help create and provide better access to shelter and care.

+ In this "back to school season," we continue to pray for students, parents, teachers, school staff, and administrators. May this year be filled with curiosity, learning, and joyful exploration.

+ We give thanks for the opportunity to learn during this this month of September - the month of remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools for the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement. We ask God to lead this church, to help us commit to understanding our role in this tragic and sinful history so that we can journey towards healing together. (There will be opportunities to learn about federal Indian Boarding School policies and to address the ongoing trauma those policies have caused. Learn more here.)

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 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, Rev. Ron Melver, Rev. Philip Maakestad, and Deacon Sharon Lone Browder.

+ We lift up Deacon LaVonne Johnson (retired) as she prepares to undergo aortic valve implant surgery next Tuesday, September 12.  May health and healing abound!

+ We pray for those who are awaiting diagnoses and treatment plans. Grant them peace and courage. Remind them that they are not alone.

We pray for your church:

+ We pray for guidance for the future of your church. Let your Spirit lead us in our discernment. (Learn more about the ELCA's Future Church: God's Love Made Real and how YOU can participate in the conversation.)

+ As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of “God’s work. Our hands.” this Sunday, September 10, we give thanks for the opportunity to draw closer to our neighbors and embrace them as children of God, listening with respect and empathy and responding to their needs.

+ We pray for the creative and collaborative ministries across the synod and country that accompany and serve neighbors in need through community gardens, meals, food pantries, homeless shelters, counseling, disaster response, neighborhood renewal, day care for children and adults, educational opportunities, and connecting volunteers with ecumenical partners and community organizations.

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

-- Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Lake Stevens, and Rev. Lewis Benson;

-- Queen Anne Lutheran Church, Seattle, and Rev. Dan Peterson;

-- for the leadership teams at Camp Lutherwood and Compass Housing Alliance in their discernment processes to identify their next Executive Directors;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Metro Chicago Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Yehiel Curry.

+ We give thanks to God for these rostered ministers who are celebrating ministry milestones during the month of September. Thanks be to God for your gifts and compassionate hearts!

Rev. Rebecca Langholz (10 years);

Rev. Eileen Hanson & Deacon Dianne Johnson (20 years)

Rev. Dave Ellingson (50 years)

Rev. Joel Ingebritson (55 years)

+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. Thanks be to God for the ways you continue to support ministers and ministries in your settled communities. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Tim Whiteman, Rev. Paul Wietzke, and Rev. Deanna Wildermuth.

+ We pray for ministries and leaders in transition.

-- we pray for the leaders who are guiding ministries in a time of transition: legacy planning teams, 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. 

Email susan@lutheransnw.org if you have a prayer petition or update.

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