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

+ As prepare for 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.

+ 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 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 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, and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis). 

+ We lift up Curt Bush, husband of Rev. Jean Barrington (retired) as he heals from a cracked pelvic bone. 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 Emmaus Table at 7400 Woodlawn (Seattle) and for their pastor, the Rev. Cara Tanis;

-- for Salem Lutheran Church (Mount Vernon) and their pastor, the Rev. Lori Cavender;

-- for ReconcilingWorks;

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

-- the people and ministries of the Northeastern Iowa Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Kevin Jones.

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

+ This month we give thanks for those Rostered Ministers celebrating ordination anniversaries. We lift up in prayer Rev. Charis Weathers as she celebrates the anniversary milestone of 20 years on April 10.

+ 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. Susan Burchfield, Rev. Mary-Alyce Burleigh, and Deacon Madelyn Busse.

+ 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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