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:
+ 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 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 the safety and well-being of those directly impacted by the war in Ukraine — both the people inside its borders and the nearly 4 million who have left the country. Pray for peace, wisdom, justice, repentance and reconciliation. We give thanks for the assistance provided by Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and our partners and companion churches in Ukraine and across Eastern Europe.
+ 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 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 and friends of Mary Ann Lund, widow of Pr. Jerry Lund, following her death this week. Cards of care may be sent to her family: Family of Mary Ann Lund; 9001 45th Place West; Mukilteo, WA 98275. A June memorial service is being planned.
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, Brenda Kidd (wife of Pr. Tom Kidd), and David Hillesland, father of Pr. Ivar Hillesland (Church of the Apostles, Seattle).
+ 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 your church:
+ During this Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we praise God for the Asian and Pacific Islander members, congregations, and ministries of our synod and the ELCA. We are grateful for God’s rich gifts of culture, language, and heritage. Continue to open our ears and eyes in the ways to welcome, honor, partner, and advocate for these beloved neighbors.
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- for the Executive Committee of our Synod Council as they gather tomorrow;
-- for our Voting Members and planning team preparing for the synod assembly on June 4;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Erik Gronberg.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Neal Snider, Elizabeth Steele, and Lowell Stime.
-- 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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