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

+ In this Easter season - 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. Deb Squires (Our Savior's, Everett) following the death of her mother, Laura Krause, on Easter Sunday. God of love, surround Deb and her family with your comfort and peace. (Cards of care may be sent to Pastor Deb Squires, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 215 Mukilteo Blvd, Everett, WA 98203.)

+ Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day is April 24 - commemorating lives lost during the Armenian genocide of 1915 and honoring the heritage and resilience of Armenian communities worldwide. We ask God to guide us as we reflect on this and other historical injustices. We pray that God will lead us to prevent future atrocities. 

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 recovers from foot surgery this 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: 

-- for the leaders gathered at the Bishop's Convocation this week;

-- for Faith Lutheran Church (Everett) and for their pastor, Rev. Pam Karas;

-- for Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church (Sammamish) and their pastors, Rev. Nyla Schoeld and Rev. David Schoeld;

-- for Lutheran Campus Ministry at Washington State University;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin and their bishop, the Rev. Martin Halom.

+ We hold in prayer all who are preparing for our synod assembly in May.

+ 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. Isaiah Chow, Tom Christensen, and Rev. Michael Clifford.

+ 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 Rev. Kathy Ierien and the congregation of Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle as she is installed as their pastor on April 30 at 6:30pm.

-- 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.

+ + + + +

Please note: direct permission is needed prior to inclusion. 

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

+ + + + +