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God of life and breath, you are our source of hope:
+ We give thanks for your gifts of life and love;
+ remind us who and whose we are - we are your beloved children;
+ sustain us when we are feeling weary, broken, lost, or afraid;
+ reform in us what needs reforming;
+ open our hearts and minds to hear your word and call;
+ inspire us to take action to seek justice for our neighbors;
+ grant us wisdom, courage, and creativity to be and share your Good News in the midst of anxious and frightening days.
We pray for your world and your people:
+ for your beautiful creation - guide us to be better caretakers;
+ for those who have been affected by storms, fires, and earthquakes - and for those who work to protect, respond, and help with recovery;
+ for those who are in a personal conflict - lead us to listen, help us to be heard, and guide us as we tend to mending and strengthening our connections;
+ for those who have been targeted and live in fear because of racism, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism;
+ for those who are unemployed, under-employed, or concerned their job is at risk;
+ for those who are unhoused - and those whose living situation is unstable;
+ for those living in or fleeing from areas impacted by violence - we pray for lasting peace between nations and for the healing of people who suffer conflict - in so many areas of our world, country and communities;
+ for the nations of this world; for the leaders of this world; for the innocent caught in crossfire; for softening of hearts; for listening and caring; for wisdom and courage; for peace between all peoples - Kyrie Elieson.
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 the family of Deacon Sherry Kiefel, who died June 30.
We give thanks for the many ways she shared the gospel - in her family life, her work, and in her volunteer service in the synod. (UPDATE: her memorial service will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home on August 30 at 11am. Read more here: https://www.woodlawnfhcc.com/obituaries/Sherry-Kiefel?obId=43165020)
+ We pray for those whose lives have been lost due to gun violence. 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.
We celebrate love!
+ We lift up Rev. Sara Funkhouser (Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Seattle) and Emily Combs - married this last Saturday. May God surround and sustain you!
We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:
+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns: Rev. Ron Melver, Rev. Marjorie Lorant, Rev. Pam Miles, Rev. Don Cornell, Rev. Deb Butler, and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis).
+ We lift up Deacon Marie Preftes Arenz (Faith, North Lakewood) as her husband, John, prepares for prostate cancer surgery September 4. Surround them with your peace and hope.
+ We lift up all who are recovering from medical procedures, including Susan Berg (Synod Communications & Events) following a hip replacement surgery on Monday.
+ We lift up those who are taking time away for rest and renewal - may those on vacation or sabbatical find renewal in their travels, re-connections, rest, and learning.
+ Be with students, teachers, faculty, administrators and families as they prepare for the start of a new school year.
We pray for your church:
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Swan's Trail in Snohomish) and their pastor, Rev. Joseph "JP" Paxton;
-- for Vashon Lutheran Church (Vashon Island) and their leadership team;
-- for the Metro New York Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Lee Miller;
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
+ 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.
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. Thanks be to God for the ways they continue to support ministers and ministries in their communities. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Tom Kidd, Rev. Lee Kluth, and Rev. Scott Kramer.
+ 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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Email susan@lutheransnw.org if you have a prayer petition or update.
Please note: direct permission is needed prior to inclusion.
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