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 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 are especially mindful this Native American Heritage Month to give our thanks to God for Native American and Alaska Native neighbors and siblings in Christ, who represent a rich diversity of gifts, backgrounds, tribes, regions, communities and congregations, and whose history long predates the colonization of North America. We pray for the work of ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations in seeking justice and reconciliation for all people, celebrating diversity within Christ’s unifying love and supporting Native congregations and ministries.
+ 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 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.
+ We hold in prayer the Rev. Joanne Engquist (Gethsemane, Seattle) following her most recent surgery. May no further complications occur and may health and healing abound.
+ 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 your church:
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- for our pastors and deacons in their first 3 years (or so) of ministry who are gathering this week for First Call Theological Education;
-- for the Cluster Deans gathering on Thursday;
-- for those leaders (paid and volunteer) who work with our children, youth and families as they gather online this Thursday;
-- Grace Chinese Lutheran of South King County and Rev. Mike Wang;
-- Wooden Cross Lutheran Church (Woodinville) and Rev. Eirk Griffith;
-- Zion Lutheran Church (Everett) and their lay leadership team;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- Slovak-Zion Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Wilma S. Kucharek.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Kevin Forquer, Rev. Sarah France, and Rev. Carl Gabrielson.
+ We pray for ministries and leaders in transition:
especially 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 Camp Lutherwood board of directors and current camp staff during their time of leadership transition;
-- we celebrate with Sister Jessica Zimmerle as she is ordained to the ministry of word and service this Saturday, Nov. 19 at 3pm at Ballard First Lutheran Church (Sister Jessica, an ELCA Deaconess, has accepted a call to serve as Advocacy Director at Earth Ministry/WAIPL);
-- we pray for all who are in discernment and/or awaiting call - may your Spirit guide them.
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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