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 lift up those in our midst who will be celebrating with family and friends the Lunar New Year today. May these celebrations be joy-filled and may the coming year be Spirit-led.

+ In the wake of recent executive orders, we are reminded to not only give thanks for the gifts, wisdom, leadership, and faith of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors and siblings in Christ – but to ask the Spirit to embolden us in advocating for social, institutional and legislative change that reflects justice, total inclusion, and God’s boundless love for humanity in all its diversity. We are especially mindful of the hateful words and intentions toward those who are transgender, non-binary, gender queer and non-conforming. We pray that they know they are deeply loved. We pray for wisdom and courage to celebrate, protect, and advocate for these beloveds. We give thanks for the leadership of our partners at ReconcilingWorks.

+ We pray for all who seek refuge. May we find ways to support them in their time of crisis. Now, more than ever, these beloved children of God need our support. May we be generous with our love, welcome and financial support. Lead us by your teachings to advocate for an immigration policy that reflects Christ’s love, recognizing that all people deserve respect and protection.(Learn more and support our neighbors with the resources listed in this letter from the Region One Bishops.)

+ We pray for those places, people, animals, and land affected by the devastation of disasters. 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.

+ 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 Restoring 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 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: Abi (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Rev. Ron Melver, Rev. Lowell Knutson, Rev. Don Maier, Rev. John Lindsay, Rev. Don Cornell, Rev. Dick Wendt, and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis). 

+ 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 the Apostles (Seattle) and their pastor, Rev. Katherine GrayBuck and Transition Facilitator Deacon Liz Colver;  

-- for Peace Lutheran Church (Silvana) and their pastor, Rev. Annette Andrews-Lux;

-- for our Synod Vice President, Kay Edgerton (find her latest Spirit article here);

-- for the NW Washington Synod Council (see full list of these faithful members here);

-- for those who will gather at the Camp Lutherwood Annual Meeting this Saturday;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Central States Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Susan Candea.

+ 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. Tim Wolbrecht, Rev. David Wold, and Rev. Lou Accola.

+ 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.

+ + + + +

Please note: direct permission is needed prior to inclusion. 

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

+ + + + +