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:
+ 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.
+ God of love, we pray for all who experience hate-filled violence, threat, intimidation, and risk simply for being who God created them to be, including Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland (they recently received hateful flyers on cars in their parking lot read their message here);
+ 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.
+ Remember in prayer college and university students preparing for finals, discerning their futures and wondering how God will use their particular skills, knowledge, and passion for the sake of the world and serving our neighbors in need.
+ May is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness Month. We see the strength and resilience of Indigenous women. Help us to seek justice for those who have been harmed and healing for those who are survivors. Inspire us to learn and share the truths about this ongoing crisis. (Find resources for learning, worship, social media posting, and more here: https://elca.org/indigenous)
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, Jim (brother of Rev. John LaMunyon), 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 our new Synodically Authorized Lay Ministers, Steve Olson (serving at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Clinton) and Edward Reyes (serving at Hope Lutheran Church in Lynden) - may the Spirit lead us in this new way of leadership and collaboration and may God bless these new ministry partnerships.
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- for those planning and preparing for the upcoming Synod Gatherings on May 13 and 20;
-- for those synods of the ELCA who are holding assemblies this weekend - that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and inspire them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders and encourage one another to proclaim the gospel and serve our neighbors in need;
-- we celebrate with Michael Ramos, Executive Director of The Church Council of Greater Seattle, as he retires this week - we give thanks for his efforts among us - working for justice, equity, and joy-filled human flourishing;
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the people and ministries of the Grand Canyon Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Deborah Hutterer.
+ We give thanks for these rostered ministers who are celebrating ministry milestones during the month of May: Rev. Katherine GrayBuck (5 years), Rev. Kristy Daniels (20 years); and Rev. Kirby Unti (45 years).
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Jan Nesse, Rev. George Nickelsburg, and Rev. Larry Olsen.
-- 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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