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

+ As we journey in this Holy Week, 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 have been targeted and 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 living in or fleeing from areas impacted by violence - we pray for lasting peace between nations and for the healing of people who suffer conflict - in so many areas of our world, country and communities;

+ 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 hold in prayer Rev. Sarah France (retired) following the death of her beloved husband of 60 years, Bill on March 8. God of love, surround Sarah and her family with your comfort and peace. (A celebration of life service is planned for this Saturday, April 19 at 3pm at Our Savior's, Everett. Cards of care may be sent to Pastor Sarah France, 710 124th St SW, Everett, WA 98204)

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, Rev. Deb Butler, Curt Bush (spouse of Rev. Jean Barrington) and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis). 

+ We pray for Rev. Lori Cavender (Salem, Mount Vernon) as she prepares to have foot surgery next week - 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: 

-- sustain and guide all who prepare and lead worship this holiest of weeks;

-- for Faith Lutheran Church (Bellingham) and for their pastor, Rev. Jory Mickelson;

-- for Salt House (Kirkland) and their pastors, Rev. Sara Wolbrecht and Rev. Ryan Marsh;

-- for ELM Campus Ministry (Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist) at Eastern Washington University;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Northern Great Lakes Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Katherine A. Finegan.

+ We hold in prayer all who are preparing for worship services and special events during the upcoming Holy Week - sustain and guide them.

+ 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. Deb Butler, Rev. Edwardo Cabrera, and Deacon Jan Cherry.

+ 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.

+ God of grace and inspiration, we praise you for the many people whom you have raised up through the ages in order to make the Good News known throughout the world. As the Northwest Washington Synod prepares to meet in assembly this spring, we pray that you will bless voting members from this portion of the globe with a spirit of wisdom and discernment. As we make ready to elect a person to serve as bishop for the next six years, open our hearts and minds to your purposes for this particular place and time. We give you thanks for the nominees, Priscilla Paris-Austin and Shelley Bryan Wee. We are blessed by their willingness to serve the people of this synod and to serve on behalf of them. May your will be done for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

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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