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 joyfully share your Good News.
We pray for your world and your people:
+ We lift up in prayer the families and communities of the five murdered persons and the 18 injured persons at Club Q in Colorado Springs this last Saturday. We ask God to renew and strengthen our commitment and courage to face the painful truth of gun violence in our country - to prevent gun violence; attend to individuals, families and communities traumatized by it; advocate for common-sense gun safety laws; and care for the perpetrators of violent acts.
+ Guide us to recognize our prejudices and empower us take action to eliminate the persistent institutional racism that permeates our world, country, communities, courts, church, and hearts. Help your church to be an open and welcoming place for all. (Learn more with the ELCA European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice Facebook page and website.)
+ We pray for the safety and well-being of those directly impacted by war and violent conflict in our world. We pray for peace, wisdom, justice, repentance and reconciliation. We give thanks for the assistance provided by Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and our partners and companion churches. (Support our new neighbors - Lutheran Community Services NW - lcsnw.org/ and Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service - lirsconnect.org/get_involved/action_center/siv)
+ We pray for those places, people, animals, and land affected by the devastation of natural disasters: drought, flooding, earthquakes, fire, and storms. Grant safety in the midst of chaos and fear; grant strength to those affected as they recover and rebuild. Help us to be generous partners with Lutheran Disaster Response and encourage our mindful work in disaster preparedness with our regional partners at www.region1beprepared.org.
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 in prayer the Rev. Cara Tanis (Emmaus Table at 7400 Woodlawn, Seattle) following the recent death of her father, Terry Hall. Wrap Cara and her family in your love and promise of new life. Cards of care may be sent to: 7400 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115.
+ As we enter this holiday season, we are mindful of those in our communities for whom this time of year is a struggle. May they feel your presence and love through us.
We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:
+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns:
Abi Griffith (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Dn. Nan Beth Walton, and Rev. Ron Melver
+ We pray for people living with mental illness - and those who care for and support them. Encourage and strengthen all who work to improve access to mental health care. Enliven us to each combat the stigma of mental illness.
1-800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Hotline)
1-888-628-9454 (Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio)
1-800-799-4889 (TTY)
1-877-574-4729 (Trevor project/ LGBTQIA+ under 24)
1-877-565-8860 (Trans Lifeline/Trans Folx)
1-800-273-8255 (Veterans Crisis Line)
We pray for your church:
+ We hold in prayer our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - and its three expressions (congregations, synods, and churchwide): O God, you form all humanity to bear your divine image, and you intend for everyone to live together in harmonious dignity. We pray for all people, whether ourselves or others, who suffer the cruelties of racial or ethnic prejudice. Grant your Spirit of power to all who are oppressed. Give healing to victims of violence, protection to the vulnerable and abused, better housing and worthy employment to the mistreated, courage to the fearful, a remedy for rage, strength to parents and caregivers, and hope to children and youth. Purge the privileged of their sense of superiority, and lead church and society to foster communities of equity and diversity; through Jesus Christ, our loving Savior. Amen. (All Creation Sings, p. 50)
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the Allegheny Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Paula Schmitt.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Harry Grinstad, Rev. Stephen Grumm and Deacon Carolee Grumm.
-- 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 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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