God of life and breath, you are our source of hope.
+ As we journey through 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 joyfully share your Good News.
We pray for our world, nation, and local communities.
+ During this Arab American Heritage Month, we give thanks for the diverse gifts, cultures, heritages, and stories of our Arab and Middle Eastern neighbors and siblings in Christ, who remind us of the rich history and tradition of Christ’s church in the world. May God bless and advance the advocacy, witness, leadership development, and support for ministries provided by ELCA Arab and Middle Eastern Ministries and the Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage. (Join an online celebration on April 28, 4pm here: bit.ly/ALAMEHCelebration)
+ We ask God to renew and strengthen our commitment and courage to face the painful truth of gun violence in our country — to prevent gun violence; attend to individuals, families and communities traumatized by it; advocate for common-sense gun safety laws; and care for the perpetrators of violent acts.
+ Our prayers arise for the fear, loss, and devastation in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. 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.
+ 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 lift up our Strategic Team for Authentic Diversity as they continue to resource our rostered leaders;
-- 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 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 Synod Hunger Team and our partnership with ELCA World Hunger - helping us collaborate our efforts, find sustainable solutions to end hunger, and provide nourishment domestically and abroad.
+ 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 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.
+ 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 generous partners with Lutheran Disaster Response and encourage our mindful work in disaster preparedness with our regional partners at 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 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;
+ Grant wisdom and compassion to those who are struggling in their relationships. We pray for comfort and healing for those 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:
Pr. Christine Finsand, Abi Griffith (daughter of Pr. Eric Griffith), Dn. Nan Beth Walton, Pr. Ron Melver, Pr. Mikkel Hustad, Pr. Al Bruck, and Brenda Kidd (wife of Pr. Tom Kidd.)
+ 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 lift up all who experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. May they feel God's loving and healing embrace. 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 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:
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- Earth Ministry as they prepare to welcome their new Executive Director, the Rev. AC Churchill;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Gary Rothenberger, Rick Rouse, and Pam Russell.
-- 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 awaiting call;
-- we lift up Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (Bellingham) and their pastor, the Rev. Eric Finsand - as they gather for their final worship service together this weekend. Bless Pr. Eric and his spouse, Pr. Christine, as they move to Nebraska where Pr. Eric has accepted a new call. Guide the leaders of the congregation as they prepare to begin this time of transition;
-- we lift up Immanuel Lutheran Church (Everson) and their pastor, the Rev. Leslie Mahraun - as they gather for their final worship service together this weekend. Bless Pr. Leslie as she begins a new call at The Hearthstone in Seattle. Guide the leaders of the congregation as they prepare to begin this time of transition.
+ We lift up all leaders in your church this Holy Week - encourage and sustain them in their ministries.
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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