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. 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.)
+ Continue to inspire us to recognize and celebrate the gifts and beauty of Indigenous peoples, build relationships with local tribes, and intentionally make reparations. (Read the latest post from Vance Blackfox, ELCA Director for Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations here: www.livinglutheran.org/2022/10/happy-indigenous-peoples-day)
+ 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 gather this Thursday - and again next week for a planning retreat.
+ 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 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 in prayer the extended family of Rev. Ray Lester following his death on October 1. (Ray served in a number of calls in the midwest and in our state, including his last call at First of Richmond Beach from 1985-1992. We will share memorial service information as we receive it.)
+ We continue to hold in prayer, Deacon Patrick Meagher (Minister of Outreach at Phinney Ridge, Seattle) following the death of his father, Joseph, on September 20. (Cards of care may be sent c/o Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103.)
+ We contine to hold in prayer Cathie Coffman and family following the death of her husband, the Rev. William (Bill) Coffman (retired) this last Sunday, October 2. (Prior to their move to Oregon, Bill had served in our synod - First of Richmond Beach, Bethlehem in Seattle, Immanuel in Seattle, and as Assistant to the Bishop of the North Pacific District (ALC). A memorial service is being planned for November 6 at 4pm at St. James Lutheran Church in Portland. Livestream will be available. Check the St. James Lutheran website closer to the date. Cards of care may be sent to 905 Harbour Dr. #13, Portland, OR 97217.)
+ We continue to hold in prayer Karen Erlander and family in prayer following the death of Rev. Daniel Erlander (retired) on August 28. (Cards of care may be sent to 6850 Woodlawn Ave. NE Apt 302, Seattle, WA 98115-5666. Dan's memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, October 15 at 3pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood. The service will also be live-streamed and recorded here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PXhEuQo7uc.)
We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:
+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns:
Abi Griffith (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Deacon Nan Beth Walton, Rev. Ron Melver.
+ We continue to hold in prayer Rev. Joanne Engquist (Gethsemane, Seattle) and Rev. Chris Boerger (retired) as they continue to heal and gain strength following their recent surgeries.
+ 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 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:
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- New England Synod and their bishop, the Rev. James Hazelwood.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Eduardo Cabrera, Rev. Jocelyn Carson, and Deacon Jan Cherry.
-- 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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