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 be and share your Good News.

We pray for your world and your people:

+ We pray for the safety and well-being of all people living in the midst of fear and violence. We fervently pray for your Spirit's wisdom for our world leaders in this time to seek your way of peace. May there be peace among nations.

+ We pray for all who seek refuge. May we find ways to support them in their time of crisis. (Support our new neighbors through Lutheran Community Services NW - lcsnw.org/ and Global Refuge - formerly Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service - globalrefuge.org)

+ 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 engaged and generous partners with Lutheran Disaster Response.

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 continue to lift up in prayer the family of Rev. Chris Berry (retired), former Campus Pastor at Western Washington University, as they grieve his death on March 14. Hold all who mourn his death in your arms of care and grant them peace. (A memorial service is planned for THIS FRIDAY, April 12 at 2pm at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Bellingham. Rostered ministers are invited to vest - color of the day is white, arrive by 1:30pm. Cards of care may be sent to: Deenie Berry & Family; 884 St. Andrew's Way; Bellingham, WA 98229)

+ We continue to lift up in prayer the family of Helen Hustad following her death on March 7, including her husband, Rev. Jack Hustad, and son, Rev. Mikkel Hustad. Enfold all who mourn her in your love and care - and the hope of your promise of new life in you. (Memorial service to be held in June - date TBD at First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach, Shoreline.) 

+ We lift up those who journey with others in their grief - hospice workers, care providers, grief counselors, and pastors. Grant them wisdom and strength as they provide support and care.

We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:

+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns: Abi (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Rev. Paul Feiertag, Rev. Ron Melver, Rev. Maynard Atik, Rev. Ken Bakken, Ruben (father of SALM Edward Reyes), Rev. Malcolm Brown, Rev. Marjorie Lorant, and Raja and Ilyas (brothers to Ministry Candidate Nisar Stephen).

+ We pray for those people for those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, loneliness, and grief. Help us be mindful of ways we may care for them - reminding them of your love and grace.

+ 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 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 those who are experiencing memory loss and dementia, their loved ones, and those who provide care. May your love and peace provide comfort.

We pray for your church:

+ We lift up the anti-racism teams in our congregations - and those who are in process of developing such teams - grant them wisdom and endurance in their efforts to educate and make changes within their communities. We hold in prayer our synod's Strategic Team for Authentic Diversity as they seek to provide leaders with education and resources that enable us to dismantle white supremacy in ourselves, our congregations, and the wider church. 

+ We lift up the congregations of our synod as they face change and challenges - in the culture, in their leadership, in their attendance, in their capacity, in their vitality. Help us look to you for guidance, encouragement, and hope.

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

-- for Lakeridge Lutheran Church (Seattle) and Rev. John Kim;

-- for The Hearthstone (Seattle) and Rev. Leslie Mahraun;

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

-- for the West Virginia-Maryland Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Matthew Riegel.

+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we lift up in prayer these retired ministers: Rev. Julie Josund, Rev. Tom Kidd, and Deacon Sherry Kiefel.

+ 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 lift up in prayer Kendall Jeske, former Director of Congregational Engagement at PLU - and member of our synod, has accepted the call to serve as pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pleasanton, CA, and will be ordained this weekend. God belss this new ministry partnership! (His ordination service will be this Saturday, April 13 at 11am - watch the livestream on YouTube: @TrinityPleasanton);

-- we hold Sister Jessica Zimmerle and St. John United (Seattle) in prayer as she is installed as their Director of Community Engagement this Saturday, April 13, at 3pm. God bless this new ministry partnership! (Rostered Ministers are invited to process - note the color of the day is WHITE. Reception to follow.)

-- 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.