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

+ As we journey in this 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 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, war and violence, especially in Ukraine, Russia, Gaza, Israel, Syria, Haiti, Myanmar and regions of Africa ... and more;

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

+ April is Arab American Heritage Month - we give thanks for the contributions and impact of Arab Americans in every aspect of society, including religion, education, science, business, government and the arts. We ask God to bless and further the work of ELCA Arab and Middle Eastern Ministries and the Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage.

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 Rev. Erik Kindem in prayer following the death of his brother, Peter Dion-Kindem on March 24. (Cards of care may be sent to Rev. Erik Kindem, 3624 SW 112th Street, Seattle, WA 98146)

+ We hold in prayer all who are affected by natural disasters - including the those in the devastation of Myanmar's earthquake over the weekend.

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, 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 El Camino de Emaus - and for their pastor, the Rev. Zulma Tifre;

-- for Saint Andrew's Lutheran Church and their pastor, the Rev. Lara Forbes;

-- for Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Western Iowa Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Lorna Halaas.

+ 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. Al Bruck, Rev. Kathryn Buffum, and Rev. Red Burchfield.

+ 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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