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 broken, lost or frightened;
+ open our hearts and minds to hear your word and call;
+ 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 our world, nation, and local communities.
+ God of all people, we lift to you this nation. As we celebrate the inauguration of our 46th President, Joe Biden, and our 49th Vice President, Kamala Harris, we pray for reconciliation and healing in this country. We pray for a way forward where all people are treasured and supported. Instill in us the strength and wisdom to join in your way of peace, justice and love.
+ We lift up those communities where insecurity, violence, and fear are the norm. Help us to bring healing, wholeness, and safety to these siblings. Inspire our leaders and guide us to be better advocates for the sake of each member in our community - especially those who have little power and no voice.
+ God of Mercy, 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.
+ We pray for those who are hungry. Stir us to action to lift up our neighbors and seek policies that support them. We give thanks for our partnership with ELCA World Hunger - helping us find sustainable solutions to end hunger and provide nourishment domestically and abroad.
+ We pray for those places, people, and animals affected by natural disasters. 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: www.region1beprepared.org.
+ We lift up all in our communities who provide emergency services - those who respond first to bring aid: emergency medical workers, firefighters, community volunteers, and police. Grant them wisdom and safety in their work.
We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:
+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns: Glen Aaberg, Deb Benson, Christine Finsand, Abi Griffith, Nan Beth Walton, Pam Miles, and Ron Melver.
+ We pray for those who are awaiting diagnoses and treatment plans. Grant them peace and courage. Remind them that they are not alone.
+ As we reach the horrific milestones of 402,000 dead in our country and 2.06 million dead around the world, we continue to pray for those affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Bring peace and comfort to the families whose loved ones have died. Grant healing for those diagnosed and recovering. Protect and sustain medical workers, care providers, first responders and chaplains. Guide those working to improve testing, creating additional vaccines, and providing effective vaccine distribution. Sustain for those who are facing financial uncertainty due to loss of income. Help us all to be wise and careful in our actions.
+ We pray for our neighbors who are fearful or in danger in their relationships. We lift up the work of those who protect, support, and advocate for people who are experiencing domestic violence. (Reach out here for help: https://wscadv.org/get-help-now/)
+ We lift up those experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Empower us to reach out to those who need care and support.
+ For those who are in despair, remember you are loved. You are never beyond God's mercy, grace, and love.
1-800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Hotline)
1-888-628-9454 (Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio)
1-800-799-4889 (TTY)
1-877-574-4729 (Trevor project/ LGBTQIA+ under 24)
1-877-565-8860 (Trans Lifeline/Trans Folx)
1-800-273-8255 (Veterans Crisis Line)
We pray for those who are grieving:
+ Loving God, wrap your arms of love and hope around all who are experiencing any kind of loss, disconnection, or brokenness. May your love and deep peace surround and sustain them.
We pray for your church:
+ .We celebrate the many years of service of our retired pastors and deacons. This week we lift up these retired rostered ministers: Joel Ingebritson, Stan Jacobson, and Julie Josund.
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries, their lay & rostered leaders:
-- Central Lutheran Church (Everett) and Pastor Jeremy Fuerst;
-- University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle) and Pastor Mia Baumgartner;
-- Holden Village (Learn about Feb 3 Holden Prayer around the World HERE);
-- the Minneapolis Area Synod, and their bishop, the Rev. Ann Svennungsen;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia.
-- grant them wisdom and patience (especially in these challenging days) as they discern where it is that you are leading them;
-- We lift up the leaders who are guiding ministries in a time of transition: transition teams, call committees, transition pastors, congregation staff and lay leaders, and synod staff.
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 this new year.
+ 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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