God of life and breath, you are our source of hope:

+ As we prepare to begin the season of Lent, 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, under-employed, 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;

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. Marjorie Lorant, Rev. Pam Miles, Rev. John Lindsay, Rev. Don Cornell, Rev. Dick Wendt, and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis). 

+ We lift up Rev. Deb Butler (Celebration, Anacortes) as she continues to recover from breast cancer surgery. Surround her with care and may healing and health abound.

We lift up in prayer Dante Austin (former synod council member and son of Rev. Priscilla Paris-Austin, Immanuel-Seattle) Grant him healing and strength as he recovers from surgery.

+ We hold in prayer Bill France, husband of Rev. Sarah France (retired) for 60 years, as he has entered the final stages of hospice. Bill is filled with joy and gratitude to be called home for our Lord Jesus. Surround Bill, Pastor Sarah and their family with your love and peace in these holy days.

+ 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 Cross of Christ Lutheran Church (Bellevue) - and for their transition team;

-- for Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church (Mukilteo) - and Rev. Pam Russell providing pastoral coverage while Rev. Pam Miles is on medical leave;

-- for our Synod Finance Committee;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Southwestern Texas Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Sue Briner.

+ 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. Robert Beicke, Rev. Paul Benz (the elder), and Rev. Al Berg.

+ 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 Bobbi Jo Cyr as she is ordained into Word and Service ministry on Saturday, March 8 at 2pm at St. Matthew's in Renton. (Bobbi has been called by the synod to serve as deacon / mission developer at Luther's Table in Renton. Her installation will be on Sunday, March 9 at 2pm at Luther's Table - see more info here on both events: https://www.lutheransnw.org/events)

-- 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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