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

+ During this season of Advent, 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 places of unrest, change, or uncertainty - from our families and local communities to Syria, Korea, France, and beyond. Guide us with your wisdom and grace.

+ 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 - and keep your people safe.

+ 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 hold in prayer our former NWWA Synod Bishop Kirby Unti and his family following the tragic death of his wife, Kim, November 27. Surround Kirby and their daughters, Briana, Carmen, Seong & Vanessa - and all who grieve - with your comfort and peace. (We give thanks for the many ways she has shared the Good News of Jesus - as a former synod vice president and church leader - and in her community work. We are grateful for her compassion, generosity, creativity, and zest for life. A memorial service is planned for Sat, Jan 4 at 1pm at St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle. The family welcomes your notes of care via email or mail: kirby.unti@comcast.net or Rev. Kirby Unti, 4102 NE 22nd Place, Renton, WA 98059)

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 pray for former pastor Wayne Carl Bayer, hospitalized at Evergreen Hospital. (Following his time as a pastor, he served as a mental health therapist. Cards of care may be sent to him in c/o his spouse, Joyce Bayer, 1331 195th St SW, Lynwood, WA 98036.)

+ 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 worship leaders as they guide their communities through this Advent season;

-- for Central Lutheran Church (Everett) and their pastor, Rev. Jim Killough;  

-- for Oak Harbor Lutheran Church (Seattle) and their pastor, Rev. Jeffrey Spencer;

-- for Paths to Understanding and Rev. Terry Kyllo;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Amy Odgren.

+ 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. Marlon Wang, Deacon Troy Ward, and Rev. Tim Weber.

+ 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 lift up Deacon Patrick Meagher and Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church as they share their final service together this Sunday. Patrick will begin a new education adventure in January and we pray for him and this endeavor.

-- 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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