God of life and breath, you are our source of hope:
+ During this Holy Week, 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 share your Good News.
We pray for your world and your people:
+ We plead that you renew and strengthen our commitment and courage to face the painful truth of gun violence in our country — to prevent gun violence. Guide us as we attend to traumatized individuals, families, and communities. Embolden us to advocate for common-sense gun safety laws.
+ Our prayers continue for the fear, loss, and devastation in war-torn areas of our world. May a wise peaceful path be found and followed soon. We pray for all who are in danger and all who have had to flee their homes. We pray for those families who have lost loved ones. Loving God, may your peace reign.
+ We pray for those who are without home or shelter. We lift up the ministries in our synod working to help create and provide better access to shelter and care.
+ We pray for all who serve in the armed forces. We give thanks for their service and dedication. Protect and guide them in their work. We lift up Rev. Daniel Sorensen, (Naval Reserve) as he prepares to head to Djibouti to serve as the Senior Chaplain at Camp Lemmonier for a year. (Dan served in our synod, and is now a chaplain at Kaiser Permanente in the SWWA Synod.)
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 the family of Rev. Kenneth Daugs (retired) following his death on February 24. Ken served at a number of parishes in our synod and the Northwest. We give thanks to God for the many ways he contributed to mission and ministry. (He and his widow, Helen, had moved to Arizona recently and we are tracking down a current address for condolence cards to be sent in care of the family. Reach out to Susan in the synod office if you wish to mail Helen and her family a card.)
-- We lift up Rev. Ivar Hillesland (Church of the Apostles, Seattle) following the death of his father, David, on March 29. Surround Ivar and his family in your love and peace. (Cards of condolence may be sent c/o COTA, 4272 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103)
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, Jim (brother of Rev. John LaMunyon), 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:
-- Bethel Chinese Lutheran Church (Seattle), Wei Zhao and their leadership team;
-- Luther's Table (Renton) and the leadership board;
-- Faith Action Network;
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the people and ministries of the Montana Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Laurie Jungling.
+ We give thanks for these rostered ministers who are celebrating ministry milestones during the month of April: Rev. Paul Eldred (5 years), Rev. Kari Lipke (10 years); Deacon Pat Moylan (45 years), and Rev. Isaiah Chow (60 years).
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Stephen Luttio, Rev. Phil Maakestad, and Rev. Don Maier.
-- 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.
+ + + + +
Please note: direct permission is needed prior to inclusion.
+ + + + +
