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:
+ 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 pray for those places, people, animals, and land affected by the devastation of natural disasters: drought, flooding, earthquakes, fire, and storms. We are particularly mindful of those affected by the wildfires in Washington State - and lift up our congregation members of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Startup as they continue to be affected by the Bolt Creek Fire. 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/.
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 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. Paul Feiertag, Rev. Mikkel Hustad, Rev. Ron Melver, and David Hillesland, father of Rev. Ivar Hillesland (Church of the Apostles, Seattle).
+ 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 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:
-- we lift our synod's LiVE Project as they prepare for fall courses to begin soon (learn more and get registered HERE);
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- Northwestern Ohio Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Daniel Beaudoin.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Daniel Bloomquist, Rev. Chris Boerger, and Rev. Chuck Bomgren.
-- 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 Central Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity (Seattle) as the Rev. Paul Eldred is installed as their pastor this Friday, September 16 at 7pm. 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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