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:

+ With the flow of shocking and dehumanizing executive orders and directives, we are reminded to not only give thanks for the gifts, wisdom, leadership, and faith of our LGBTQIA+ siblings – but to ask the Spirit to embolden us in advocating for social, institutional, and legislative change that reflects justice, total inclusion, and God’s boundless love for humanity in all its diversity. We are especially mindful of the hateful words and intentions toward those who are transgender, non-binary, gender queer, and gender non-conforming. We pray that they know they are deeply loved. We pray for wisdom and courage to celebrate, protect, and advocate for these beloveds. We give thanks for the leadership of our partners at ReconcilingWorks.

+ As we celebrate Black History Month, we give thanks for the gifts, accomplishments, influence and witness of our African-descent neighbors — we stand together as siblings in Christ and partners in the gospel, doing God’s work in the world together. We pray that God will continue to guide our church as it strives for racial justice, socioeconomic equity, racial reconciliation, and an end to racism in our homes, church, society and institutions. (Learn more from the Smithsonian here, find resources from WELCA here.)

+ 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 begun 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 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;

+ We hold in prayer the victims of the Washington D.C. plane crash and their loved ones.

+ Following the death of former bishop Rev. Lowell Knutson, we hold his wife Shirley, their family, and all who mourn in prayer. Comfort all who grieve his death, receive him into your loving arms, and grant us faith and hope in the resurrection through your Son Jesus. (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 (now receiving hospice care at his daughter's home,) and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis). 

+ 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 Peace Lutheran Church (West Seattle) and their pastor, Rev. Erik Kindem;

-- for Faith Action Network as they prepare for the Feb 20 Interfaith Advocacy Day;

-- for those who will gather for our Embracing Difference Retreat this Saturday;

-- for our synod's Evangelical Outreach Team;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Becca Middeke-Conlin.

+ 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. Arnold Anderson, Rev. Christen Anderson, and Rev. Michael 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.

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.

+ + + + +

Please note: direct permission is needed prior to inclusion. 

Email susan@lutheransnw.org if you have a prayer petition or update.

+ + + + +