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Weekly Prayer Message - June 16, 2021
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.

+ A Prayer for the Commemoration of the Emanuel 9 (June 17)
We join with Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in remembering the slain nine: — the Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, the Rev. Daniel Lee Simmons, Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd, the Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, the Rev. Myra Singleton Quarles Thompson, Tywanza Kibwe Diop Sanders, the Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Susie Jackson, and Ethel Lee Lance —and those who survived. We remember. We remember that they lovingly welcomed the stranger into a Wednesday-night bible study— they sang, they prayed, they gathered to study the word of God. We remember. We pray for the continual presence of God’s peace; may it comfort and surround the families of the nine who were slain. We remember. We pray for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, its senior bishop and episcopal leaders, the community of Charleston, and all who continue to grieve—trusting that God will continue to unite us in the work to end racism and white supremacy, so that we may be witnesses of Christian unity. (From ELCA - learn more here: https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Prayers_Litanies_Laments_Emanuel_Nine_Commemoration.pdf)

+ A Prayer for Juneteenth (June 19)
Holy and righteous God, you created us in your image. Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression. Help us, like those of generations before us who resisted the evil of slavery and human bondage in any form and any manner of oppression. Help us to use our freedoms to bring justice among people and nations everywhere.

+ A Prayer for World Refugee Day (June 20)
Loving God, we acknowledge the overwhelming adversity faced by the nearly 80 million displaced people worldwide. Help us recommit ourselves to empowering those driven from their homes by conflict, persecution, poverty, and climate change. We pray that all will experience welcome. (Learn more and find resources here)

+ God of all people, we lift to you this nation. 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.

+ As we approach the end of this school year, we hold in prayer teachers and all who work in education. We honor the hard work, dedication, creativity, and compassion they have shown over this last academic year and beyond. May they know our appreciation and respect.

+ We celebrate with all who are graduating this year. We give thanks for each graduate - for the gifts they have been given, the knowledge they have gained, the skills they have honed, and for the perseverance they have shown - especially in this last year. As they begin new phases of their lives, may they continue to know God's love and experience God's peace in all the experiences they encounter

+ We give thanks for the expansive diversity of your creation. During this Pride Month, we especially honor and celebrate the gifts of our LGBTQIA+ siblings. Teach us to love people, just as they are, and embrace their identity fully, as you have embraced us. Help us continue to seek ways to support all of your people - beautifully and wonderfully made, all in Your image. (Find congregational resources here: www.reconcilingworks.org/virtualpride2021/)

+ 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.

+ We know that you bless people with the gifts of life, family, and relationship. Afghan allies that stood with the American military and their families are in danger. As America withdraws its troops from Afghanistan, the commitment we made to protect these allies and their families is being tested. We are grateful for the safe return of our active military members, grateful for the service of all veterans of our country, and honor the memories of those who gave their lives to protect America’s freedom. Lord, strengthen our country to be a faithful friend to the Afghan families that are in need of protection. Lord Jesus, these allies placed their lives and the lives of their families in danger because they believed in the American mission. May we honor our commitment and aid their safe passage. May we seek peace as the mission for our families and communities. May we live as faithful friends in the world. (Prayer from Kristin Witte, Director for Outreach Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service)

+ 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 seasonal workers who depend on summer income for their livelihood, that they will find safe, fulfilling employment that pays a fair wage. We pray that we will express our gratitude and respect for their work and service.

+ 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, Christine Finsand, Abi Griffith, Nan Beth Walton, Pam Miles, Ron Melver, Heidi Fish, and Bishop Michael Lozano (Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod);

+ We pray for those who are awaiting diagnoses and treatment plans. Grant them peace and courage. Remind them that they are not alone.

+ We mourn with our fellow siblings as this pandemic continues to claim lives and livelihoods.. 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 distribute the vaccines. Sustain for those who are facing financial uncertainty due to loss of income. As our communities begin to loosen restrictions, help us be mindful, patient, and gracious with one another.

+ 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 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.

We pray for your church:

+We lift up in prayer these Rostered Ministers celebrating Ministry Milestones!
Pr. Ryan Marsh - 5 years; Pr. Erik Samuelson - 15 years;
Pr. Chad Johnson & Pr. Pam Russell - 20 years;
Pr. Scott Postlewait & Pr. Jeff Larson - 30 years;
Pr. Erik Kindem - 35 years; Pr. Lee Kluth & Deacon Inez Hushagen - 45 years;
Pr. Mark Reitan - 50 years; Pr. Jay Decker - 55 years; Pr. Kenneth Daugs - 65 years;
and Pr. Charles Bomgren - 70 years!

+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries, their lay & rostered leaders: 
-- Faith Lutheran Church of North Lakewood (Marysville) and Mission Developer Ryan Brown, Sister Le Brandes, and Pr. Erik Samuelson;
-- St. John United Lutheran Church (Seattle); and Pr. Anna Rieke;
-- our Synod Personnel Committee as they gather tomorrow (and giving thanks for Pr. Pam Russell and Carol Stolz who are completing their time on the team this week!)
-- the Pacifica Synod and their bishop, Rev. Dr. Andrew Taylor;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia.

+ We pray for ministries and leaders in transition.
-- grant all in transition wisdom and patience as they discern where it is that you are leading them;
-- we lift up Pr. Mike Anderson and the congregation members of Holy Spirit (Kirkland) as he retires this month. We give thanks to God for their 36 years of ministry together and ask God's continued guidance and blessing as Pr. Mike and the congregation lean into where the Spirit is leading them next.
-- 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 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. 
Email susan@lutheransnw.org if you have a prayer petition or update.
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Northwest Washington Synod / ELCA
5519 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
206-783-9292