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 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 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 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. (His memorial service will be held on March 1 at 2pm at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle. 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 Rev. Marjorie Lorant (retired) as she resumes treatment for cancer - may healing and remission return soon.

+ We give thanks to God that Sam, son of Rev. Kelsey & Rev. Kevin Beebe (Camp Lutherwood) has returned home from the hospital - may he continue to heal and return to full health soon.

+ 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 Living Hope Lutheran Church (Renton) - as they install their pastor, Rev. Heidi Calhoun on Sunday at 2pm. May God bless this new ministry partnership! (Cross and Crown Lutheran and Nativity Lutheran became Living Hope)

-- for Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (SeaTac) their pastor, Rev. Sam Sseba and Rev. Al Berg;

-- for Advent Lutheran Church and Rev. G Lee Kluth as he concludes his service as Visitation Pastor this Sunday - thanks be to God for this partnership;

-- for Faith Action Network - and all who will gather at the Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia tomorrow;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Michael Rinehart.

+ 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. Bill Anderson, Rev. David Angersbach, and Rev. Everett Arnold.

+ 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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