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 pray for the safety and well-being of all beloved people living in the Holy Land, including our siblings in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Shelter all living in fear; protect those seeking refuge; sustain families separated from one another; heal those who are injured; comfort all who mourn their dead. We fervently pray for wisdom from world leaders in this fraught time. (You are invited to join the Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage (ALAMEH) for “A Prayer of Lament and Peace” on Friday, Nov. 10, 10:30am via Zoom webinar; register here: https://bit.ly/ALAMEHPrayerVigil)

+ 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 seek to provide leaders with education and resources that enable us to dismantle white supremacy in ourselves, our congregations, and the wider church. 

+ November is National American Indian Heritage Month. We praise God for our Indigenous neighbors (Native American, Alaska Native, Hawaiian Native and affiliated Island communities.) We give thanks for the rich diversity of gifts, backgrounds, tribes, regions, communities, and congregations, and whose history long predates the colonization of North America. We lift up in prayer the work of ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations as we seek justice and reconciliation for all people, celebrating diversity within Christ’s unifying love and supporting Native congregations and ministries.

+ As Veterans Day approaches, we remember and give thanks for those who have served our country in times of peace and conflict — here and around the world. Empower us to ensure they are supported justly.

+ 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 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 engaged and generous partners with Lutheran Disaster Response.

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 Pastor Anja Helmon in prayer following the death of her husband, John. Surround Anja and their family with your peace and hope. (His memorial service will be held this Sunday, November 12 at 3pm at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland, livestream available here: https://vimeo.com/881872918.)

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, Rev. Ron Melver, Rev. Philip Maakestad, Deacon Sharon Lone Browder, and Deacon LaVonne Johnson.

+ 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: 

-- Faith Lutheran Church of North Lakewood (Marysville) and their leadership team: Rev. Erik Samuelson, Deacon Cathy Mutschler, Deacon Marie Preftes-Arenz and Ryan Brown;

-- for all outdoor ministry professionals, staff, and board members as they gather for the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry conference in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Bless their time together for worship, renewal, networking and enhancing their skills;

-- for the ELCA Church Council as they gather this weekend;

-- for our Companion Synod The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;

-- for the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin and their bishop, the Rev. Joy Mortensen-Wiebe.

+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we lift up in prayer these retired ministers: Rev. Gerald Bongard, Deacon Le Brandes, and Rev. Don Brekhus.

+ 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, 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.