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:
+ We pray for the safety and well-being of those directly impacted by war. We pray for peace, wisdom, justice, repentance, and reconciliation. We give thanks for the assistance provided by Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran World Relief, 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 lift up those whose lives have been lost to gun violence. We ask God to renew and strengthen our commitment and courage to face the painful truth of racism, hate, and gun violence in our country. May we be makers of peace through our words, actions, and advocacy.
+ We pray for those places, people, animals, and land affected by the devastation of natural disasters: drought, flooding, earthquakes, storms - and fires. 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 www.region1beprepared.org.
+ We pray for all who travel - including these synod staff members: for Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee as she travels to Israel for an ELCA event; and for DEM Herb Shao and Assistant to the Bishop Andy Yee as they conclude their time in Thailand at the Asian Lutheran International Conference.
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;
+ Grant wisdom and compassion to those who are struggling in their relationships. We pray for comfort and healing for those who are mourning the end of a relationship.
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, Rev. Chris Boerger, Abi Griffith (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Deacon Nan Beth Walton, and Rev. Ron Melver.
+ We lift up Rev. Paul Feiertag (retired) who was recently hospitalized for a recurring infection of unknown source. May health and healing abound.
+ We lift up Rev. Dan Peterson (Queen Anne, Seattle) and extended family as his mother, Olga Peterson, has been placed on hospice care after a ten-year battle against ovarian cancer. God of Hope, surround them with your love, comfort and peace.
+ 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 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:
-- Hope Lutheran Church (Lynden) and their lay leadership team;
-- for the Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Leaders of our synod as they gather this Thursday for Time for You;
-- for the Synod Personnel Committee gathering on Thursday;
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the Metro Washington D.C. Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Leila Ortiz
+ We give thanks to God for all Rostered Ministers celebrating major ministry milestones during the month of January, including: Rev. Michael Trice and Rev. Todd Wright (5 years); Rev. Annette Andrews-Lux (10 years); Rev. Kari Reiten (15 years); and Deacon Paul Anderson (45 years).
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Mark Houglum, Deacon Inez Hushagen, and Rev. Jack Hustad.
-- 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 the staff and board of Lutherwood Camp & Retreat Center as they prepare for their upcoming annual meeting and continue in this time of transition;
-- for our synod staff as they welcome new Synod Administrator, Tabetha Myatt this week;
-- for Rev. Jane Prestbye as she celebrates her upcoming retirement this weekend (her final Sunday at Kent Lutheran will be later this month);
-- for the congregation of Clearbook Lutheran Church as they prepare to share in their final worship service together this Sunday, January 22. We give thanks to God for their many years of faithful mission and ministry. We trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance as they continue to share God's love in their communities.
-- 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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