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 pray for all impacted by the shooting death at Ingraham High School in Seattle yesterday morning. Surround the students, faculty, staff, and families in your love and comfort. 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. (As was lifted up at our synod assembly, find the 1994 the ELCA social message Community Violence, calling for advocacy to end the cycle of violence in the U.S. Find more information and resources HERE.)
+ We are especially mindful this Native American Heritage Month to give our thanks to God for Native American and Alaska Native neighbors and siblings in Christ, who represent a rich diversity of gifts, backgrounds, tribes, regions, communities and congregations, and whose history long predates the colonization of North America. We pray for the work of ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations in seeking justice and reconciliation for all people, celebrating diversity within Christ’s unifying love and supporting Native congregations and ministries.
+ 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 lift up the anti-racism teams in our congregations - and those who are in process of developing such teams - grant them wisdom and endurance in their efforts to educate and make changes within their communities. We hold in prayer our synod's Strategic Team for Authentic Diversity as they gather this Thursday.
+ 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 https://www.ldrwest.org/.
+ This week is Veterans Day, we honor and give thanks for those who have served in the military to secure freedom, justice, peace and security for our country and other nations. Remembering the sacrifices they have made on our behalf, pray for their families, their congregations, federal chaplains, and organizations that support and care for returning veterans.
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 family of Rev. Sandra Kreis following her death on Nov. 1. She served congregations in Northwest Intermountain Synod, Southwestern Washington Synod and Northwest Washington Synod. (A memorial service for Pastor Kreis will be held Saturday, November 12 at 11:30am at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia. Cards of care may be sent to her spouse: Roger Kreis at 3581 SE Kamilche Pt. Road, Shelton, WA 98584-7949.)
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), Deacon Nan Beth Walton, Rev. Ron Melver.
We lift up in prayer Deacon Eva Schulte following major surgery. May health and healing abound. (Deacon Eva is new-ish to our synod and is currently on leave from call, living in Ferndale.)
+ We pray for those who are struggling with substance abuse and addictions. We pray for those who are working to rebuild their lives and relationships through sobriety and the support of companions who understand the challenges of recovery. We pray that they will have faith in God’s unwavering love and forgiveness in moments of despair, joy, accomplishment, and stumbling.
+ We pray for all who are facing health challenges that keep them homebound. May your love flow through us as we visit and support them.
We pray for your church:
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Patricia Davenport.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Dave Ellingson, Rev. Paul Fauske, and Rev. Paul Feiertag.
-- 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 celebrate with Rev. John Kim as he is installed as the new pastor at Lakeridge Lutheran Church (Seattle) on Sunday, November 13 at 3pm. God bless this new ministry partnership.
-- 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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