God of life and breath, you are our source of hope:

+ 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:

+ During this Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) we thank God for the history, contributions, and rich cultural diversity of our Latino siblings. We give thanks for the many gifts shared by our rostered and lay Latino leaders in our synod. We pray for the growth and vitality of ELCA Latino Ministries, the Latino Ministries Association (Asociación Luterana de Ministerios Latinos ELCA) and the 147 ELCA Latino ministries around the country, including Iglesia Luterana El Camino de Emaús (El Camino de Emaús in Burlington) in our synod, as they work to share the gospel, encourage unity in Christ, fight racism and promote Christian values that unite Latinos of the ELCA in a “community of communities” to do God’s work in the world.

+ This Saturday, September 30 is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. We grieve this history and ask for forgiveness for the pain inflicted on Indigenous peoples throughout the history of our nation. We ask God's guidance as we work to fully understand and correct the lasting impacts of injustice for the well being and wholeness of all people. (As a church, we are committed to understanding our role in this tragic and sinful history so that we can journey toward healing together. On Sept. 30 you are encouraged to wear an orange shirt and/or raise an orange flag and post a photo on social media. Learn more here: ELCA.org/TruthAndHealing.)

+ 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 meeting this week, and for our partnership with ELCA World Hunger - helping us collaborate our efforts, find sustainable solutions to end hunger, and provide nourishment domestically and abroad.

+ We lift up all in our communities who provide emergency services - those who respond first to bring aid: emergency medical workers, firefighters, community volunteers, and police. Grant them encouragement, wisdom and safety in their work.

+ We pray for the safety and well-being of those impacted by war and violence; we pray for peace, wisdom, justice, repentance and reconciliation. We give thanks for the assistance provided by Lutheran Disaster Response, 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 pray for those places, people, animals, and land affected by the devastation of natural disasters: drought, flooding, earthquakes, storms - and the many wildfires. Grant safety in the midst of chaos and fear; grant strength to those affected as they recover and rebuild. We pray for the safety of firefighters, first responders, members of the National Guard, disaster response volunteers, relief agencies, and neighbors who respond to individuals and communities in times of severe weather and natural disaster. Help us to be generous partners with Lutheran Disaster Response.

We pray for those who are grieving:

+ Gracious God, wrap your arms of love, peace, and hope around all who are experiencing any kind of loss, disconnection, or brokenness.

+ We lift up those whose incomes have been reduced, those whose jobs have been suspended, and all who are facing unemployment or underemployment – across all industries, companies, and positions. Draw your people together in one supportive and loving community - advocating for and sustaining those who are struggling.

+ We lift up Jeri Hanson and family following the death of her husband, the Rev. Dennis Hanson (retired) on September 19. We give thanks for Dennis and his many years of ministry faithful leadership and partnership. (Service planned for October 1 at 2pm. Cards of care may be sent to Jeri Hanson c/o Trinity Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 97, Freeland, WA 98249.)

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, Rev. Ron Melver, Rev. Philip Maakestad, Deacon Sharon Lone Browder, and Deacon LaVonne Johnson.

+ We hold in prayer John Helmon (spouse of Rev. Anja Helmon - on leave from call), as he undergoes treatment for stage 4 melanoma. Grant him strength and hope. May health and healing abound.

We pray for your church:

+ We pray for programs and partners of the ELCA churchwide organization that support young adults as they grow in faith and discover who God is calling them to be in the world, including ELCA Young Adult Ministry, Young Adults in Global Mission, Young Adult Justice Network, Campus Ministry, and Outdoor Ministries.

+ We lift up the members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Bellevue as the gather for their final worship service this Sunday, October 1 at 10:30am. We give thanks for their many years of sharing the Gospel through word and deed. Surround this celebration and continued legacy with your love and care.

+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and rostered leaders: 

-- Edmonds Lutheran Church (Edmonds) and Rev. Tim Oleson;

-- Saint Andrew's Lutheran Church (Bellevue) and Rev. Lara Forbes;

-- those who serve as chaplains in various ministry settings;

-- for the rostered ministry candidates of our synod and the Candidacy Committee;

-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;

-- for the Conference of Bishops who are gathered this week in Chicago;

-- for the Southeastern Iowa Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Amy Current.

+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Christen Anderson, Rev. Michael Anderson, and Rev. Phyllis Anderson.

+ We pray for ministries and leaders in transition.

-- 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 - grant them patience, wisdom, and vision.

-- 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. 

Email susan@lutheransnw.org if you have a prayer petition or update.

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