God of life and breath, you are our source of hope:

+ As we enter this season of Advent, 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 frightened;

+ help us to forgive as you forgive;

+ 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 be and share your Good News.

We pray for your world and your people:

+ Creator God, we give thanks for your amazing creation. Lead us to be better stewards of the air, land and water. We pray for refreshing and nourishing rain as we enter the season of wildfires. Grant us wisdom in our prevention efforts, resourcing, and preparedness - and keep your people safe.

+ We pray for all who seek refuge. May we find ways to support them in their time of crisis. (Support our new neighbors through Lutheran Community Services NW - lcsnw.org/ and Global Refuge - formerly Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service - globalrefuge.org)

+ 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 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 former NWWA Synod Bishop Kirby Unti and his family following the tragic death of his wife, Kim, last week. Surround Kirby and their daughters, Briana, Carmen, Seong & Vanessa - and all who grieve - with your comfort and peace. (We give thanks for the many ways she has shared the Good News of Jesus - as a former synod vice president and church leader - and in her community work. We are grateful for her compassion, creativity, and zest for life. The synod office will share updates regarding a memorial service as information becomes available. In this time, rather than phone calls or texts, the family welcomes your notes of care via email or mail: kirby.unti@comcast.net or Rev. Kirby Unti, 4102 NE 22nd Place

Renton, WA 98059)

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. Lowell Knutson, Rev. Don Cornell, and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis). 

+ 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 those serving as chaplains in our synod: at Bethany of the Northwest, Everett - Rev. Caitlyn Melillo, Rev. Marillyn Schultz; at the Hearthstone - Rev. Leslie Mahraun; at Columbia Lutheran Home, Seattle - Rev. Will Cheung; at Foss Home & Village - Rev. Sara Funkhouser; at Josephine Caring Community - Rev. Eileen Burdick; with the King County Sheriff's Office / Seattle Fire Department - Rev. Joel Ingebritson; at Swedish First Hill Medical Center - Palliative Care - Deacon Susan Franke; at Swedish Medical Center, Mercer Island - Rev. Paul Benz; at United General Hospital, Sedro Woolley - Rev. Mary Bosell; at UW Medical Center, Seattle - Rev. Mia Baumgartner, Deacon Luke Allgeyer; (if we missed you, please email Susan@lutheransnw.org!)

-- for Northlake Lutheran Church (Kenmore) and Rev. Coe Hutchison and Rev. Red Burchfield;

-- for the students, faculty and staff of Pacific Lutheran University;

-- for our Companion Synod: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;

-- the people and ministries of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod and their bishop, the Rev. William Tesch.

+ We give thanks to God for rostered ministers who are celebrating ministry milestones during the month of December. This month we lift up and celebrate with:

Rev. Mary Allyce Burleigh (10 years on 12/7) - retired

Rev. Mike Anderson (40 years on 12/30) - retired

Rev. Laurin Vance (50 years of 12/29) - serving at Church Wellness Network (formerly known as Consultation to Clergy)

+ 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. Neil Vik, Rev. Sacia Vik, and Deacon Marlys Waldo.

+ 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.

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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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