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

+ We give thanks for your gifts of life and love;

+ remind us who and whose we are - we are your beloved children, called to share that love with our neighbors far and wide;

+ sustain us when we are feeling weary, broken, lost, or frightened;

+ help us to forgive as you forgive;

+ 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 be and share your Good News.

We pray for your world and your people:

+ We pray for those places, people, animals, and land affected by the devastation of disasters. We hold in prayer our neighbors in California who experiencing deadly and devastating 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.

+ As January 21, National Day of Racial Healing, approaches, we pray:

-- Mighty and loving God, we pray for our nation and the plague of racism that threatens, destroys, and kills. Root out white supremacy wherever it takes hold. Release its grip on those lured by its false promises. Bring to repentance all who continue to benefit from prejudice and hatred, both hidden and revealed. Plant in our hearts and nation a willing spirit open to truth-telling and healing. call us into a deeper relationship to be your church for the sake of the world. Help us to see with new eyes the injustices within church and society.

-- Call us to have a loving heart that respects and uplifts the humanity and dignity of every person; open our ears to listen to and learn from the experiences of people of color. Open our mouths to speak up and about injustices. Join us with others to work for racial equity and inclusion for all people.

-- You created all people in your image. We thank you for the astonishing variety of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of friendship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (selections from the ELCA Worship Resources for the Day of Racial Healing - full resource available HERE. Please join other members from around the ELCA online day of learning on Tuesday, January 21, 8am-12noon HERE.)

+ We pray for all who seek refuge. May we find ways to support them in their time of crisis. (Support our new neighbors through Lutheran Community Services NW - lcsnw.org/ and Global Refuge - www.globalrefuge.org/blog/resources/congregational-resources/)

+ Creator God, we give thanks for your amazing creation. Lead us to be better stewards of the air, land and water. Grant us wisdom in our prevention efforts, resourcing, and preparedness.

+ 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.

+ 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 pray for all 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 Janet Cederberg (Lutheran Counseling Network) and her family following the death of her sister, Karen. Surround their family with your love and peace. (Notes of care may be sent to Janet's email: janetcederberg@hotmail.com)

+ We lift up Doug Johnson following the death of his father, Ken. Surround his family with your love and peace. (Doug serves as Dir. Youth Ministries at Saint Andrew's, Bellevue & Sammamish Hills Lutheran) and his wife Pr. Krista Johnson serves at Mt. Si Lutheran, North Bend. Cards of care may be sent to Doug at Saint Andrew's, 2650 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98007)

We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:

+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns: Abi (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Rev. Ron Melver, Rev. Lowell Knutson, Rev. Don Cornell, and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis). 

+ We lift up Rev. John Lindsay (retired pastor and brother of synod staffer Susan Berg) as he recovers from recent surgeries and awaits test results. Surround John, his wife Kathryn - and their family - with your peace and hope. (Cards of care may be mailed to his new address: 7124 47th Ave SW, Apt. B-498, Seattle WA 98136)

+ We lift up in prayer former bishop Rev. Don Maier following a recent hospitalization. May comfort and healing abound as he is receives care and rehab at Richmond Beach Rehab.

+ 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: 

-- for Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (Bellingham) and their pastor, Rev. Jana Schofield;  

-- for Our Saviour's Lutheran Church (Arlington) and their pastor, Rev. John Schraan;

-- for our partners at Earth Ministry;

-- for those from our synod attending the Asian Lutheran International Conference in Malaysia: Rev. Andy Yee, Rev. Rachel SanDiego, Rev. Jade Yi, Rev. Hector Garfias-Toledo, Rev. Jenna Bergeson, and Rev. Scott Kramer;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Regina Hassanall.

+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. Thanks be to God for the ways you continue to support ministers and ministries in your settled communities. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Dick Wendt, Rev. Thom Wert, and Rev. Tim Whiteman.

+ We pray for ministries and leaders in transition.

-- we pray for the leaders who are guiding ministries in a time of transition: legacy planning teams, 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. 

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

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