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. Guide us as we attend to traumatized individuals, families, and communities. Embolden us to advocate for common-sense gun safety laws.
+ 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. Help your church to be an open and welcoming place for all. (Learn more with the ELCA European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice Facebook page and website.)
+ 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 plan to provide leaders with education and resources that enable us to dismantle white supremacy in ourselves, our congregations and the wider church.
+ We pray for those places, people, animals, and land affected by the devastation of natural disasters: drought, flooding, earthquakes, fire, and storms. May God's presence bring comfort to those in Turkey and Syria affected by their recent earthquakes. 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 https://www.ldrwest.org/.
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 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 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:
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- Bethel Ethiopian Church (Seattle) and Rev. Berhanu Waldermariam and Rev. Abnet Legesse;
-- Magnolia Lutheran Church (Seattle) and Rev. Kevin Bates;
-- for our Synod Executive Committee meeting this afternoon - guide them in their work;
-- for the leaders and participants of our next Synod LiVE Project course, "The Kin-dom of God and Environmental Justice ," which begins tomorrow (learn more and join here);
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the Sierra Pacific Synod and their Interim bishop, the Rev. Claire Burkat.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Ed Markquart, Deacon Helen McBride, and Rev. James McEachran.
-- 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.
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Please note: direct permission is needed prior to inclusion.
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