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 afraid;

+ open our hearts and minds to hear your word and call;

+ reform in us what needs reforming;

+ strengthen us to take action to seek justice for our neighbors;

+ remind us to breathe and settle into your peace;

+ grant us wisdom, courage, and creativity to be and share your Good News in the midst of anxious and frightening days.

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. 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 resources, including those from Global Refuge, Faith Action Network, and Lutheran Community Services Northwest, listed in this letter from the Region One Bishops. We have a new page on our website to house helpful resources and events (including tonight's Region One meeting) - for your use - find it here: https://www.lutheransnw.org/resources/immigration-resources. If you have additional resources or events to share, let the synod office know!)

+ We give thanks for the wide welcome and deep care provided by our Lutheran social service agencies, including Lutheran Community Services Northwest. Their mission of providing food, housing, crisis support, mental health care, and advocacy for survivors of violence is important work and touches the lives of 1 in 50 people in the US each year. May we support and encourage them in these days when their very work has come under attack and reckless misrepresentation.

+ 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.

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;

+ Following the death of former bishop Rev. Lowell Knutson, we hold his wife Shirley, their family, and all who mourn in prayer. (We will share memorial service information once it is finalized. Cards of love and care may be sent to the family here: Shirley Knutson; 8003 Sand Point Way NE #B-23; Seattle, WA 98115)

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. Don Maier, Rev. John Lindsay, Rev. Don Cornell, Rev. Dick Wendt, and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis). 

+ We lift up in prayer 8-week-old baby Sam, son of Rev. Kelsey & Rev. Kevin Beebe (Camp Lutherwood) following a diagnosis of RSV. We give thanks for the medical care he is now receiving in the hospital - and pray for a quick and full return to health.

+ We lift up those who are recovering from surgeries: Rev. Kirby Unti and Rev. Anne Lohrmann - may healing and health abound.

+ 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 Columbia City Church of Hope (Seattle) and their pastor, Rev. Darla DeFrance;

-- for Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church (Seattle) their care pastor, Rev. David Hahn and their leadership team as they prepare for the March arrival of their new pastor Rev. Kathy Ierien;

-- for the Cluster Deans of our Synod as they gather for a retreat tomorrow;

-- for our Synod Executive Committee as they gather tomorrow;

-- for our LiVE Project Board as they gather on Friday;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Northern Texas-Louisiana Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Erik Gronberg.

+We give thanks for these rostered ministers celebrating ministry milestones during the month of February:

Rev JP Paxton (5 years on Feb 8) - serving at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Snohomish

Rev Anja Helmon (10 years on Feb 7) - on leave from call abroad

Rev Cindy Salo (40 years on Feb 10) - retired

+ 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. Phyllis Anderson, Rev. Richard Anderson, and Rev. Rita Anderson.

+ 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.

+ We pray for our synod as we prepare to elect a person to serve as bishop at our May Synod Assembly. (Reminder nominations are due by Sunday, Feb. 16. Learn more here.)

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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