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Weekly Prayer Message
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:
+ 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 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 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. 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 Rev. Jim Kruse (transition pastor at Lakeridge, Seattle) following the death of his twin brother, Wayne, last week. Surround Jim and his extended family with your peace. (Cards of care may be sent to: 16738 NE 44th Way, Redmond, WA 98052)

We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:
+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns:
Abi Griffith (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Deacon Nan Beth Walton, Rev. Ron Melver, and David Hillesland, father of Rev. Ivar Hillesland (Church of the Apostles, 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 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: 
-- we lift up the Synod Personnel Committee;
-- we lift our synod's LiVE Project (learn more here and at our final info session);
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- South-Central Synod of Wisconsin and their bishop, the Rev. Joy Mortensen-Wiebe.

-- for all who are attending the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Columbus, Ohio this week, August 8-12, including these voting members from our synod: Bp. Shelley Bryan Wee, Synod VP Kay Edgerton, Eli Daheim, Curt Eidem, Frankin Lulan, Laura Sasaki Norton, Kasey Shultz, and Rev. Rachel Swenson; and Rev. Joanne Engquist (Gethsemane/Seattle) who serves on the ELCA Church Council. May the wisdom of the Spirit lead the discussions and decisions.

+ We pray for our Rostered Ministers who are taking sabbatical leave this summer. May this time bring a sense of rest and renewal for them, for their families, and their congregations. We give thanks for those who are stepping into pulpit supply, pastoral care coverage, and leadership roles to support these important leave-taking endeavors. 

+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Maynard Atik, Rev. Wayne Bacus, and Rev. Jean Barrington.

+ 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 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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Northwest Washington Synod / ELCA
5519 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
206-783-9292