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:

+ for the rivers, lakes, and oceans

+ for the deserts, plains, farmlands, and forests

+ for the vast array of plants and animals

+ for the people who caretake and preserve your creation

+ for those who live in fear because of racism, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism

+ for those who are unemployed, underemployed, or concerned their job is at risk

+ for those who are unhoused - and those whose living situation is unstable

+ for those who have been affected by storms and disasters and for those who work to protect, respond, and help with recovery

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 lift up Rev. Deb Butler (Celebration, Anacortes) who has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo surgery today - guide her medical team and may her recovery be smooth and complete.

+ We lift up Rev. Pam Miles (Pointe of Grace, Mukilteo) now on medical leave. May health and healing 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 Ebenezer Lutheran Church (Lake Stevens) - and their pastor, Rev. Lewis Benson;

-- for Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Shoreline) - and their care pastor, Rev. Jade Yi;

-- for our Synod Personnel Committee;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Yehiel Curry.

+ 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. Maynard Atik, Rev. Wayne Bacus, and Rev. Jean Barrington

+ 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 celebrate with Rev. Deb Squires and Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Everett as she is installed as their pastor this Sunday at 10am - God bless this ministry partnership!

-- we celebrate with Rev. Bill Walles and Hope Church in Lake Stevens as he is installed as their pastor this Sunday at 2pm - God bless this ministry partnership!

-- 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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