Logo-Don't Delete
Weekly Prayer Message
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 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. (As was lifted up at our synod assembly, find the 1994 the ELCA social message Community Violence, calling for advocacy to end the cycle of violence in the U.S. Find more information and resources HERE.)

+ 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 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 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 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 hold in prayer, Deacon Patrick Meagher (Minister of Outreach at Phinney Ridge, Seattle) following the death of his father, Joseph, on September 20. (Cards of care may be sent c/o Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103.)

+ We hold in prayer Cathie Coffman and family following the death of her husband, the Rev. William (Bill) Coffman (retired) this last Sunday, October 2. (Prior to their move to Oregon, Bill had served at congregations in our synod. A memorial service is being planned for November 6 in Portland. We will share more information as we receive it. Cards of care may be sent to 905 Harbour Dr. #13, Portland, OR 97217.)

+ We continue to hold Karen Erlander and family in prayer following the death of Rev. Daniel Erlander (retired) on August 28. (Cards of care may be sent to 6850 Woodlawn Ave. NE Apt 302, Seattle, WA 98115-5666. Dan's memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, October 15 at 3pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood. The service will also be live-streamed and recorded here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PXhEuQo7uc.)

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), Dn. Nan Beth Walton, and Rev. Ron Melver.

+ We hold in prayer Rev. Joanne Engquist (Gethsemane, Seattle) and Rev. Chris Boerger (retired) as they continue to heal and gain strength following their recent surgeries.

+ We pray for our neighbors who are fearful or in danger in their relationships. Sustain 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 pray for your church:
+ We pray for all who are participating in mission trips and service-learning experiences this summer. May their efforts exemplify compassion, respect, mutual relationship, intentional partnership, and our call to love and serve our neighbor as Christ loves and serves us.

+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders: 
-- Gethsemane Lutheran Church (Seattle) and Rev. Joanne Engquist and Rev. Kari Lipke;
-- Trinity Community Lutheran Church (Point Roberts) and their leadership team;
-- for our synod's LiVE Project Team as they continue with fall course offerings and make final plans for their first retreat this Saturday;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the New Jersey Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Tracie Bartholomew.

+ We give thanks to God for these gifted Rostered Ministers celebrating major ministry milestones during the month of October:
-- 10 years: Rev. Ivar Hillesland and Rev. Leslie Mahraun
-- 15 years: Deacon Jan Cherry
-- 20 years: Rev. Mary Bosell
-- 35 years: Deacon Cheryl Storey
-- 40 years: Rev. Gary Rothenberger
-- 50 years: Rev. Carl Gabrielson
(Watch this celebration video, featuring all 2022 anniversary folks shown at our June synod assembly)

+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Susan Burchfield, Rev. Eileen Burdick, and Deacon Madelyn Busse.

+ 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, congregation staff and lay leaders, and 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. 
Email susan@lutheransnw.org if you have a prayer petition or update.
+ + + + + 
Northwest Washington Synod / ELCA
5519 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
206-783-9292