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God of life and breath, you are our source of hope:
+ We give thanks for your gifts of life and love;
+ remind us who and whose we are - we are your beloved children;
+ 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.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI or AANHPI) Month
We praise God for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander members, congregations and ministries of the ELCA, which represent a diversity of cultures, languages and traditions. We pray for the ministry of the Association of Asians and Pacific Islanders of the ELCA.
As Memorial Day approaches: God of Love, we remember, honor and give thanks for those in the armed forces who have given their lives for the sake of peace, justice and freedom. We hold in prayer their families and loved ones. Help us as we seek to bring about the end of such violence and death.
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 plead that you renew and strengthen our commitment and courage to face the painful truth of gun violence in our country — to prevent gun violence. Guide us as we attend to traumatized individuals, families, and communities. Embolden us to advocate for common-sense gun safety laws.
+ for Northeaster Minnesota Synod Bishop Amy Odgren following the sudden death of ther husband this last weekend. Surround and sustain Amy and her family in this tragic time. Guide their synod leadership in this time as they support and care for her.
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. Marjorie Lorant, Rev. Pam Miles, Rev. Don Cornell, Rev. Dick Wendt, Rev. Deb Butler, Rev. Lori Cavender. Rev. Carol Jensen, and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis).
+ We hold Rev. Don Maier (former bishop int he NW WA Synod) in prayer has he enters hospice care. Surround Don and his family with your love and peace.
+ We pray for those who are awaiting diagnoses and treatment plans. Grant them peace and courage. Remind them that they are not alone.
+ As May is Mental Health Awareness Month - may we be gracious and helpful advocates in supporting our neighbors who face mental health challenges. Find resources here:
Full social message on “The Body of Christ and Mental Illness”
Videos from Presiding Bishop Eaton:
Portico Resources on Mental Health
We pray for your church:
+ God of grace and inspiration, we give thanks for the opportunity to journey together as your people in the NW Washington Synod. What a joy to gether in your name - wrapped into your story in assembly this last weekend. We give thanks for all who planned, led, and attended.
+ We lift up those who allowed their names to go forward as nominees for bishop, synod council, and synod committees during our assembly this last weekend. May God guide and sustain those who were elected to serve: For Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee who will serve a second term as our synod bishop; for Rev. Sara Funkhouser, Cindy Shultz, Salvador Cossio, and Shane Lambing elected to serve on synod council; for Jennifer Satterfield, Janet St. Clair, Rev. Mary Lindberg, and Rev. John O'Neal elected to serve on the Synod Consultation Committee; for Karen Klemetson, John Koch, Deacon Marie Preftes-Arenz, and Rev. Pam Russell elected to serve on the Synod Discipline Committee. (a brief summary of the assembly will be available on the synod website by tomorrow)
+ We lift up Dr. John Nunes as he is elected to serve as California Lutheran University’s ninth president, effective June 1, 2025. God bless this new ministry partnership!
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- for all celebrating and preparing for the shift from the Sunday School calendar year to summer activities;
for Family & Friends Gathering (Everett) and for their rostered leader: Rev. Deb Squires;
-- for Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (Startup), and their leadership team;
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the people and ministries of the North Carolina Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Tim Smith;
-- the LaCrosse Area Synod and their bishop, Rev. Felix Malpica..
+ 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. Kevin Forquer, Rev. Sarah France, and Rev. Carl Gabrielson.
+ 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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