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 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, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine.

+ 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 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 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, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Rev. Ron Melver, Rev. Maynard Atik, and Ruben (father of SALM Edward Reyes).

+ We pray for health and healing for Rev. Jory Mickelson (Faith, Bellingham), recovering from recent surgery.

+ We pray for health and healing for Rev. Sarah France (retired), preparing for an angiogram on January 22.

+ We pray for health and healing for Rev. Jenna Bergeson (Trinity, Lynnwood) who begins a medical leave this week.

+ 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. 

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

-- for Gethsemane Lutheran Church (Seattle) and Rev. Joanne Engquist;

-- for Trinity Community Lutheran Church (Point Roberts) and their leadership team;

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

-- for the New Jersey Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Tracie Bartholomew.

+ 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. Richard Edmonds, Rev. Dave Ellingson, and Rev. Paul Fauske.

+ 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 Jay Edgerton our synod's new Director of Properties and our developing Synod Property Team as they begin their work;

-- we lift up Will Cheung who has accepted the call to serve as Director of Pastoral Care at Columbia Lutheran Home in Seattle - God bless this new ministry partnership! (Ordination service will be this Saturday, January 13 at 1:30pm at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church;)

-- we lift up Rev. Kevin Beebe who will begin serving as the Executive Director at Lutherwood Camp & Retreat Center on January 15. Welcome to the synod, Beebe family! (Installation will be February 10 at 3pm.)

-- 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.