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:

+ Especially during this Black History Month, we give thanks for the gifts, accomplishments, influence, and witness of our African-descent neighbors and siblings in Christ—we stand together to glorify God as partners in the gospel, doing God’s work in the world together. Though unified as siblings in Christ, we ask God to lead us to individual and community reflection and action in pursuit of racial justice, socioeconomic equity, racial reconciliation and an end to hatred and mistrust. (Watch the weekly ELCA African Descent Talks on elca.org/talksatthedesk for gems & words of wisdom)

+ We pray for the safety and well-being of all people living in the midst of fear and violence. We fervently pray for your Spirit's wisdom for our world leaders in this time to seek your way of peace. May there be peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine.

+ We pray for all who seek refuge. May we find ways to support them in their time of crisis. (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 engaged and generous partners with Lutheran Disaster Response.

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 of Janice "Jan" Sorensen (widow of Rev. Reuben Sorensen) following her recent death. (Memorial service will be February 24 at 2pm at University Lutheran Church, Seattle)

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. Paul Feiertag, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Rev. Ron Melver, Rev. Maynard Atik, and Ruben (father of SALM Edward Reyes), Rev. Erik Kindem, Raja and Ilyas (brothers to Ministry Candidate Nisar Stephen).

+ We hold Rev. Marjorie Lorant (retired) in prayer as she prepares for surgery later this month;

+ We hold Rev. Joanne Engquist (Gethsemane, Seattle) in prayer as she prepares for shoulder surgery on February 21.

+ We pray for those people for those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, loneliness, and grief. Help us be mindful of ways we may care for them - reminding them of your love and grace.

+ 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 those who are experiencing memory loss and dementia, their loved ones, and those who provide care. May your love and peace provide comfort.

We pray for your church:

+ We lift up the people of this synod as they gather today for Ash Wednesday services around the territory. Remind them who and whose they are - your beloved children - marked by your cross - forever. May this season of Lent provide opportunities to deepen our relationships with God and with one another.

+ 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 seek to provide leaders with education and resources that enable us to dismantle white supremacy in ourselves, our congregations, and the wider church. 

+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders: 

-- for Grace Chinese Lutheran Church (Seattle) and Rev. Wendy Cheung, Rev. Jade Yi (Care Pastor) and Rev. Chris Boerger (Transition Minister);

-- for Vashon Lutheran Church, Rev. John Barich (Care Pastor), and their leadership team;

-- for those who lead the Children, Youth and Family Ministries across our synod as they gather at Time For You tomorrow;

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

-- for the 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 lift up in prayer these retired ministers: Rev. Paul Feiertag, Rev. Kevin Forquer, and Rev. Sarah France.

+ We pray for ministries and leaders in transition.

-- 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.