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 beloved people living in the Holy Land, including our siblings in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Shelter all living in fear; protect those seeking refuge; sustain families separated from one another; heal those who are injured; comfort all who mourn their dead. We fervently pray for wisdom from world leaders in this fraught time.

+ October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month - we lift up victims and all those it impacts. We pray for their protection and healing. Guide us in our work to care and advocate for our neighbors.

+ 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. (ALL are invited to register for this upcoming Nov. 4 training.)

+ 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 lift up the family and friends of Lance Georgeson, former development director at Trinity Lutheran College, who died September 30. We give thanks for the many gifts shared by Lance at TLC and throughout the synod. (Memorial service will be Saturday, October 14 at 1pm at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church.)

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, Rev. Ron Melver, Rev. Philip Maakestad, Deacon Sharon Lone Browder, John (spouse of Rev. Anja Helmon) and Deacon LaVonne Johnson.

+ We lift up Rev. Deb Butler (Celebration, Anacortes) as she recovers from an embolism. 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:

+ We pray for guidance for the future of your church. Let your Spirit lead us in our discernment. (Learn more about the ELCA's Future Church: God's Love Made Real and participate in the conversation by October 17.)

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

-- Emmaus Table at 7400 Woodlawn (Seattle) and Rev. Cara Tanis;

-- Salt House (Kirkland) and Rev. Ryan Marsh and Rev. Sara Wolbrecht (continued prayers for healing during her medical leave);

-- for our Synod DEMs Deacon Dianne Johnson and Rev. Judy Brennan as they gather with colleagues in Chicago; continued prayers for DEM Rev. Herb Shao during his medical leave;

for our Synod Council Executive Committee as they meet this afternoon;

-- for our partners at Compass Housing Alliance as they welcome their newly apponted president, Michael Bailey. We give thanks for Mary Steele who will retire from this role in October. Goe bless this new partnership! (Read more here.)

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

-- for the Northeastern Iowa Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Kevin Jones.

+ 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. Bill Anderson, Rev. David Angersbach, and Rev. Everett Arnold.

+ 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 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.