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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 - we are mindful of Holden Village;
+ 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 learners and teachers:
+ We lift up congregational leaders and volunteers who are preparing fall programs and community ministries to share the gospel, nurture faith, serve neighbors in need and equip people of all ages and abilities to do God’s work in the world.
+ We pray for teachers, student teachers, administrators and all school staff members, that their strength, knowledge, creativity and commitment to students will be nourished throughout the school year.
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 the family of Rev. Marjorie Lorant (retired) following her death last Friday. Surround her family with your peace and hope as they remember and mourn. Memorial service date and time TBD. (Cards of care may be sent to her son: Weylin Lorant; 950 22nd Ave., Unit A; Seattle, WA 98122.)
+ We lift up Rev. Jane Prestbye (retired) following the sudden death of her husband, Fergus last week. Surround Jane and her family with your peace and hope as they remember and mourn. Memorial service date and time TBD. (Cards of care may be sent to her at: 505 E Temperance St.; Kent, WA 98030)
+ We lift up Rev. Deb Mach (chaplain) following the death of her mother, Gwen on August 24. Surround Deb and her family with your peace and hope as they remember and mourn. (Cards of care may be sent to Rev. Deb Mach, 20631-63rd Ave W; Lynnwood, WA 98036.)
+ 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 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. 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, recovers from prostate cancer surgery last week. Bring health and healing. Surround them with your peace and hope.
+ We lift up Sheryl, spouse of Rev. Terry Kyllo, as she prepares for surgery to remover her parathyroid gland on Sept. 14. Guide her medical team - and may health and healing abound.
+ We lift up all who are recovering from medical procedures.
We pray for your church:
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- for Grace Chinese of Sammamish Hills (Sammamish) and their pastor, Rev. Wendy Cheung;
-- for Zion Lutheran Church (Everett) and their
-- for the SE Pennsylvania Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Christopher deForest;
-- for our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
+ 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. Jeffrey Larson, Rev. Linda Larson, and Rev. Dick Lehmann.
+ 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 celebrate ministry candidate, Jill Nichols Hicks, who will be ordained on Friday, Sept. 12 at 7pm at Saint Andrew's in Bellevue. Jill has accepted the call to serve as pastor at Northlake Lutheran Church in Kenmore. 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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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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