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 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/)

+ We lift up all the people of Syria. We pray that those who have walked in suffering, oppression and occupation will be liberated by our liberating God. We pray for political prisoners to be set free, for families to be reunited, for those wronged to secure justice, and for all Syrians to live, work and worship in peace. We pray also for those who mourn the dead and missing, and who fear the uncertain future. (from ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton's pastoral message on Syria - read full message here)

+ 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 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 suffering any kind of loss, disconnection, or brokenness;

+ We hold in prayer those for whom "family" is difficult - especially at this time of the year - those who are divorced, widowed, separated or estranged from their families;

+ We continue to hold in prayer 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 Kim has shared the Good News of Jesus - as a former synod vice president, local church leader, and community work. We are grateful for her compassion, generosity, creativity, and zest for life. (A celebration of life service is planned for Saturday, January 4 at 1pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle. The family asks that you come ready to celebrate and wear red. A reception will follow. (1245 10th Ave. E. in Seattle) An additional Renton community-based event will be January 7, 5:30-7pm at the Renton Pavilion Events Center. (233 Burnett Ave S, Renton, WA 98057) In this time, rather than phone calls or texts, the family welcomes your notes of care 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 lift up those who are suffering from dementia - and for those who care for and journey with them. Surround them with your love as they face fear, anxiety and grief.

+ 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 (Seattle) and their pastor, Rev. Paul Eldred;  

-- for Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church (Seattle) and their pastor, Rev. Thomas Voelp;

-- for ReconcilingWorks;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Dee Pederson.

+ 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. Thomas 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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