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:
+ During this Mental Health Awareness Month, we pray: God of love, help us to know that no matter what, we are not alone - you are with us. Guide us to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness and continually love everyone compassionately as a beloved child of God. Help us embrace the benefits of therapy and encourage the use of medication when necessary in supporting and sustaining mental health and wellness. Inspire us to work to ensure access to affordable mental health care for all people, especially those living in poverty or in historically marginalized communities.
+ We pray for the safety and well-being of those directly impacted by war, violence and climate . 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 all first responders, firefighters, police, national guard members, and EMTs. We give thanks for their ministry of care for others in moments of great danger and difficult crisis. God, grant them wisdom in their actions and keep them safe.
+ We pray for those places, people, animals, and land affected by the devastation of natural disasters: drought, flooding, earthquakes, winter snow 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.
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;
+ May is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness Month. We see the strength and resilience of Indigenous women. Help us to seek justice for those who have been harmed and healing for those who are survivors. Inspire us to learn and share the truths about this ongoing crisis. (Find resources for learning, worship, social media posting, and more here: https://elca.org/indigenous)
+ We lift up Cheri, spouse of Rev. John LaMunyon (retired) following the death of her brother, Doug Kircher. Surround Cheri and her family with your love and peace.
+ 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, Abi (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Rev. Paul Feiertag, Deacon Nan Beth Walton, Rev. Wendell Hendershott, Rev. Ron Melver, Gina (spouse of Rev. Scott Peterson), and Rev. Philip Maakestad.
+ 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:
-- for our Synod Gathering Attendees, Forum Facilitators, and Volunteers attending the upcoming May 20 Synod Gathering;
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the Western North Dakota Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Craig Schweitzer.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Eric Ottum, Rev. Bill Perkins, and Rev. Mark Peterson.
-- 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.
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