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.

+ 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 give thanks for our partners at Earth Ministry and Lutherans Resoring Creation.

+ 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 leaders, including our president and his administration. Guide him, his counselors, and all others in authority. May they be guided by your Holy Spirit to lead with compassion, acceptance, and kindness. May they be just in purpose, wise in counsel, and unwavering in duty. In the administration of their responsibilities, may they uphold the honor of our nation and secure the protection of all living in our country. (adapted from the ELW Prayer Book for the Armed Services, p. 64)

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 the family of Rev. Mitch Jones who died recently. We give thanks for his many years of ministry and hold his family in prayer as they grieve. (While Pastor Mitch had concluded his ministry and retired in Montana, he served in several synods, including the NW WA Synod at St. Paul's Lutheran in Seattle and First Lutheran of Richmond Beach. Find his obituary here.)

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 (receiving hospice care), Rev. Don Maier, Rev. John Lindsay, Rev. Don Cornell, and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis). 

+ We lift up Rev. Dick Wendt (retired) hospitalized at Evergreen. We pray for comfort and peace.

+ 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:

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

-- for Church of Steadfast Love (Seattle) and their pastor, Rev. Kristy Daniels;  

-- for Our Saviour's Lutheran Church (Bellingham) and their pastor, Rev. Joel Langholz;

-- for those who serve to lead our children, youth and family ministries across the synod;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Nebraska Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Scott Johnson.

+ 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. Deanna Wildermuth, Rev. Nancy Winder and Rev. Bob Winkel.

+ 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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