God of life and breath, you are our source of hope:
+ We give thanks for your gifts of life and love;
+ sustain us when we are feeling weary, broken, lost, or frightened;
+ open our hearts and minds to hear your word and call;
+ reform in us what needs reforming;
+ inspire us to be your hands and voice in your world;
+ strengthen us to take action to seek justice for our neighbors;
+ grant us courage and creativity to share your Good News.
We pray for your world and your people:
+ 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.
+ Our prayers continue for the fear, loss, and devastation in war-torn areas of our world. May a wise peaceful path be found and followed soon. We pray for all who are in danger and all who have had to flee their homes. We pray for those families who have lost loved ones. Loving God, may your peace reign.
+ We pray for those who are without home or shelter. We lift up the ministries in our synod working to help create and provide better access to shelter and care.
We pray for those 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 lift up the family and friends of Deacon Erma Lee following her death on January 1. We give thanks for the many gifts she shared during her active and retired years. Erma served on the staff of the Region 1 of the ELCA and previously on the staff of the Northwest District of the American Lutheran Church. (Cards of condolence may be sent to Erma's daughter: Karen Parnall, 4933 128th Place SE, Everett, WA 98208. We will share more information about a memorial service as it becomes available.)
We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:
+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns:
Rev. Conrad Tollefson, Rev. Chris Boerger, Abi Griffith (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Dn. Nan Beth Walton, and Rev. Ron Melver.
+ 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:
+ We pray for the creative and collaborative ministries across the synod and country that accompany and serve neighbors in need through community gardens, meals, food pantries, homeless shelters, counseling, disaster response, neighborhood renewal, day care for children and adults, educational opportunities, and connecting volunteers with ecumenical partners and community organizations.
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the Upper Susquehanna Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Craig Miller.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Karen Hansen, Rev. Dennis Hanson, and Rev. Kathy Hawks.
-- we pray for the leaders who are guiding ministries in a time of transition: transition teams, call committees, transition ministers, care pastors, congregational staff and lay leaders, and our synod staff;
-- we lift up our Synod Staff as they say goodbye to staff member, Laura Sasaki Norton - and prepare to welcome their new Synod Administrator, Tabetha Myatt.
-- 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.
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