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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.
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.
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 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, Rev. Lori Cavender, and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis).
+ We lift up Rev. Carol Jensen (retired) following a recent diagnosis of advanced gallbladder cancer. Grant wisdom to her medical team. Surround Carol as she learns more about possible next steps. Sustain her in this journey with your love and hope. (Cards of care may be sent to: 2522 Rucker Ave Unit #203, Everett, WA 98201. You may also follow Carol's journey on CaringBridge)
+ 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 (Seattle) and for their pastor, Rev. Shannyn Fuerst;
-- for Lutherwood Camp & Retreat Center (Bellingham), their key staffers: Rev. Kevin Beebe (Exec. Dir.), Ashleigh Ellsworth-Keller (Program Dir.), Samuel "Marty" Martinez (Guest Services Dir.); and Cas (Administrative Assistant) and their leadership board. We hold all in prayer who will be heading to camp this summer to explore grace in creation!
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the people and ministries of the Greater Milwaukee Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Paul Erickson.
+ 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. Russ Creydt, Rev. Gary Dalenius, and Rev. Jay Decker.
+ 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, as this synod prepares to meet in assembly in a week, we pray that you will guide those planning and leading as they make final preparations. We ask you to bless voting members with a spirit of curiosity, wisdom and discernment as we prepare to review budgets and resolutions, to hear reports, and to elect synod council members, committee members and a person to serve as bishop for the next six years. We give you thanks for those who are leading and all the nominees lifted up for these various roles - we are blessed by their willingness to serve you and the people of this synod.
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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