|
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;
+ reform in us what needs reforming;
+ open our hearts and minds to hear your word and call;
+ inspire us to take action to seek justice for our neighbors;
+ 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 your beautiful creation - guide us to be better caretakers;
+ for those who have been affected by storms and disasters and for those who work to protect, respond, and help with recovery;
+ 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 the nations of this world; for the leaders of this world; for the innocent caught in crossfire; for softening of hearts; for listening and caring; for wisdom and courage; for peace between all peoples.
+ June is Pride Month. We give thanks to God for the gifts, wisdom, leadership and faith of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors and siblings in Christ. We ask the Spirit to embolden us as we work together for justice, total inclusion, and love for humanity in all its diversity - as individuals, as congregations, as a synod, as a denomination... (The NW Washington Synod is an RIC synod - find the synod's statement of welcome here: https://www.lutheransnw.org/pages/about)
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 the family of Rev. Dick Wendt, following his death on Sunday, June 15. We give thanks for his life of sharing God's love and grace within his family, in the settings he served, and beyond. (A memorial service is being planned for August 2 at Our Savior's, Everett - time yet to be finalized. Cards of care may be sent to Kathy Pace & Family, 1221 59th Pl SW, Everett, WA 98203.)
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. Deb Butler, Rev. Carol Jensen, Rev. Don Maier, and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis).
+ We lift up those who are taking time away for rest and renewal - may those on vacation or sabbatical find renewal in their travels, re-connections, rest and learning.
We pray for your church:
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- for First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach (Shoreline) and Rev. John Bjorge;
-- for Trinity Community Lutheran Church (Point Roberts) and their leadership team;
-- for Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee and others on the ELCA Bishop Formation Planning Team as they gather with newly elected synod bishops for a time of connecting and learning this week;
-- for the Northeastern Ohio Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Dr. Laura Barbins;
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. Thanks be to God for the ways they continue to support ministers and ministries in their communities. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Paul Hoffman, Rev. Susan Hookham, and Rev. Mark Houglum.
+ 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.
+ + + + +
Email susan@lutheransnw.org if you have a prayer petition or update.
Please note: direct permission is needed prior to inclusion.
+ + + + +
| 
