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Let us pray:
God of life and breath, you are our source of hope:
Guide us to be your People of Peace - grant us wisdom, courage, and creativity to be and share your Good News of love and peace in our homes, our communities, and our world.
We pray for your world and your people:
+ for your creation - lead us to be better stewards of the air, land, and water - and grant us wisdom in our prevention efforts, resourcing, and preparedness;
+ for those who are unemployed, under-employed, or concerned their job is at risk;
+ for those who are unhoused or whose living situation is unstable;
+ for those who live in fear because of racism, homophobia, antisemitism, transphobia, and sexism;
+ for those affected by natural (and human-made) disasters;
+ for wisdom and compassion for all leaders;
+ for our country as we enter this election season (find civic engagement resources here)
+ for those who speak out against hate and, in turn, receive threatening messages and hate;
+ for peace between nations.
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 lift up in prayer all first responders who put themselves on the line to care for their neighbors.
+ We hold in prayer those who are receiving comfort care or hospice care - may they feel your love - and trust in your promise of everlasting love.
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. Deb Butler, Rev. Tim Whiteman (retired), Jackie Nitz (wife of Rev. Ron Nitz and mother of Rev. Gina Herman), Deacon Marlys Waldo (retired), and Nancy Davis (widow of Rev. Chuck Davis).
+ We lift up those who are awaiting diagnoses - comfort them with your peace.
+ We hold in prayer all who are battling cancer - sustain them in their treatments - and may full healing be achieved.
+ We pray for those who are struggling with addiction. Surround them with your peace and may they be reminded of your love each day.
+ We lift up caregivers - surround them with your love and peace as they journey with those who are ill or dying.
We pray for your church:
+ for Grace Lutheran Church (Des Moines) and their pastors, Pastor Salvador Cossio, Pastor Rachel Swenson, and Pastor Chad Johnson;
+ for Hope Church in Lake Stevens and their pastor, Pastor Bill Walles;
+ for Bethany of the Northwest (Everett) and Rev. Caitlyn Melillo, Director of Spiritual Care, and Rev. Marillyn Schultz, Chaplain.
+ for Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod and their Bishop, the Rev. Kristen Papson;
+ for our companion synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia and Bishop Sergei Holzwert.
+ 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. G. 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. Grant wisdom, patience, and open hearts as we listen to where you are calling us.
Guide our country during this election cycle.
Everlasting God, source of all liberty, before whom every earthly ruler must bow and bend the knee, we lay our nation before you as we prepare for an election. Breathe upon us your Spirit of wisdom and discernment. Grant all who seek public office the mind of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life for the freedom of the oppressed. Hold before us those who face uncertain futures, or who have no voice in our political process. Uphold and safeguard poll workers and election officials in their work. Spare us from the crushing weight of cynicism. Give us grace to speak courageously, but with love, without which our words are noise and we are nothing. Gather us together under the cross, where, in all of our difference, we can stand as one people, redeemed in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (from ELCA Worship Resources for a National Election)
May our prayers rise before you as incense.
+ Sustain, uplift, and encourage us as we live into your calling;
+ Lead us to have generous hearts;
+ Trusting in your mercy and grace, we lift our prayers to you.
Amen.
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Please email susan@lutheransnw.org if you have a prayer request to include.
Direct permission is needed prior to inclusion.
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