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 share your Good News.
We pray for your world and your people:
+ During this PRIDE Month, we give thanks and praise to God for the rich diversity of humankind, especially for our LGBTQIA2S+ siblings (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify.) We pray for our church and society to exercise total inclusion, hospitality without bias or fear, and respect and advocacy for these siblings. We give thanks for the leadership and support of our partners at ReconcilingWorks (head to their website for online courses, resources, swag, and info on how to become an RIC congregation.)
+ We plead that you renew and strengthen our commitment and courage to face the painful truth of gun violence in our country — to prevent gun violence. Guide us as we attend to traumatized individuals, families, and communities. Embolden us to advocate for common-sense gun safety laws.
+ Our prayers continue for the fear, loss, and devastation in war-torn areas of our world. May a wise peaceful path be found and followed soon. We pray for all who are in danger and all who have had to flee their homes. We pray for those families who have lost loved ones. Loving God, may your peace reign.
+ We pray for those who are without home or shelter. We lift up the ministries in our synod working to help create and provide better access to shelter and care.
+ We lift up in prayer students, teachers and staff as they approach the end of the school year;
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 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, 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.
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- Central Lutheran Church (Bellingham), their lay leaders and Rev. Marc Hander (transition facilitator);
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the people and ministries of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Bill Tesch.
+ We give thanks to God for these rostered ministers who are celebrating ministry milestones during the month of June:
Rev. Mike Wang (15 years);
Rev. Andy Arnold and Rev. Julie Blum (25 years)
Rev. Mary Lindberg (30 years)
Rev. Chris Boerger and Rev. Phil Reitz (45 years)
Rev. Conrad Tollefson (50 years)
Rev. Dan Selmann (55 years)
Rev. Robert Roiko (60 years)
Rev. Ernie Pihl and Rev. Norris Swenson (65 years)
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Tom Rohde, Rev Robert Roiko, and Rev. Gary Rothenberger.
-- 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 celebrate with Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (Bellingham) and Rev. Jana Schofield as she is installed as their pastor this Sunday, June 11 at 7pm. God bless this new ministry partnership!
-- 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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