God of life and breath, you are our source of hope:
+ On this Ash Wednesday, we give thanks for your gifts of life and love - as we are marked with the sign of the cross - what seems like an ending is an invitation to make each day a new beginning in which we are washed in your mercy and forgiveness;
+ 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 celebrate Black History Month.
We give thanks for the gifts, accomplishments, influence and witness of our African-descent neighbors and siblings in Christ — we stand together to glorify God as partners in the gospel, doing God’s work in the world together. Though unified as siblings in Christ, we know there is deep brokenness. We ask God to guide our church in its pursuit of racial justice, socioeconomic equity, racial reconciliation, and an end to hatred and mistrust.
+ We pray for the safety and well-being of those directly impacted by war. We pray for peace, wisdom, justice, repentance, and reconciliation. We give thanks for the assistance provided by Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and our partners and companion churches. (Support our new neighbors - Lutheran Community Services NW - lcsnw.org/ and Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service - lirsconnect.org/get_involved/action_center/siv)
+ We lift up those whose lives have been lost to gun violence. We ask God to renew and strengthen our commitment and courage to face the painful truth of racism, hate, and gun violence in our country. May we be makers of peace through our words, actions, and advocacy.
+ We pray for those places, people, animals, and land affected by the devastation of natural disasters: drought, flooding, earthquakes, storms, and fires. 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 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. (Synod Hunger team meets tomorrow, Thurs, Feb. 23 at 5pm on Zoom.)
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 Rev. Heidi Calhoun (Nativity and Cross & Crown, Renton) following the death of her mother, Anita, and as they gather this weekend for her memorial service. (Cards of care may be sent to Rev. Heidi Calhoun, c/o Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 10940 SE 168th St, Renton, WA 98055)
+ we raise our prayers following the death of Bishop Andrey Dzhamgarov, newly installed bishop or our companion synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia, following his recent death. Surround his family with your peace; grant wisdom to the leaders of their denomination as they enter this time of mourning and transition.
+ Grant wisdom and compassion to those who are struggling in their relationships. We pray for comfort and healing for those who 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:
Rev. Conrad Tollefson, Abi Griffith (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Rev. Paul Feiertag, Deacon Nan Beth Walton, and Rev. Ron Melver.
+ We lift up Jim, brother of Rev. John LaMunyon (retired) as he continues to recover from a traumatic brain injury. Sustain him and his family in his recovery process.
+ We lift up Rev. Rick Rouse (retired) as he continues to gain strength and health following knee surgery.
+ We pray for those who are awaiting diagnoses and treatment plans. Grant them peace and courage. Remind them that they are not alone.
We pray for your church:
+ 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.
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the Southeastern Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Kevin Strickland.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Julie Josund, Rev. Tom Kidd, and Deacon Sherry Kiefel.
-- 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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