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 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 - including 16-year-old Ralph Yarl of Kansas City. 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 all first responders, firefighters, police, national guard members, and EMTs. We give thanks for their ministry of care for others in moments of great danger and difficult crisis. God, grant them wisdom in their actions and keep them safe.
+ We pray for those places, people, animals, and land affected by the devastation of natural disasters: drought, flooding, earthquakes, winter snow 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 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 Deacon Helen McBride (retired) following the death of her husband Frederick "Jack" McBride. (Cards of care may be sent in c/o Peace Lutheran Church, 8316 39th Ave SW, Seattle, WA)
+ 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 (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Rev. Paul Feiertag, Deacon Nan Beth Walton, Jim (brother of Rev. John LaMunyon), Rev. Wendell Hendershott, Rev. Ron Melver, Gina (spouse of Rev. Scott Peterson), and Rev. Philip Maakestad.
+ 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.
+ We lift up Glendale Evangelical Lutheran Church (Burien) as they prepare to hold a “Celebration at the Conclusion of Worship and Ministry” this Sunday, April 23 at 10am. We give thanks for the many years of sharing God's Good News and love. We trust their legacy of mission and ministry will continue in new ways with the Spirit's leading. (The service will be followed by an informal fellowship reception. Glendale was organized on July 14, 1944, and began gathering at its current location in December of 1948. Glendale’s pre-K through 8th grade school will continue to operate on the campus site.)
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- Holden Village, their leadership, village staffers, volunteers, and Rev. Mark Griffith, serving as Village Pastor;
-- for former St. Matthew's (Renton) Intern, Cassandra Nagle, as she is ordained this weekend. She has accepted a call to serve as pastor at Lord of Life in The Woodlands, Texas. God bless this new ministry partnership! (more info and streaming link at www.LOLonline.org)
-- for the Indigenous presenters and our rostered ministers who will gather next week for learning and fellowship at the Bishop's Convocation;
-- for the Synod Committees and Teams gathering this week;
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the Southwest California Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Brenda Bos.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Ron Melver, Rev. Carol Moll, and Deacon Estelle Morley.
-- 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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