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 broken, lost or frightened;
+ open our hearts and minds to hear your word and call;
+ 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 our world, nation, and local communities.
+ God of all people, we lift to you this nation. We pray for reconciliation and healing in this country. We pray for a way forward where all people are treasured and supported. Instill in us the strength and wisdom to join in your way of peace, justice and love.
+ 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.
+ We raise the words of Minneapolis Area Synod Bishop Ann Svennungsen:
"God Have Mercy. We are heartbroken as our community grieves the killing of another Black person while in the custody of the police. We mourn with Daunte Wright’s family, his community, and all who bear this incredible trauma – compounded by the heartache of witnessing the Derek Chauvin trial. We also pray for our synod congregations in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center as they minister in their neighborhoods."
God of justice, inspire and strengthen us as we join with their synod in commitment to work and pray for racial justice – and to address systems that oppress and diminish life.
+ We lift up those communities where insecurity, violence, and fear are the norm. Help us to bring healing, wholeness, and safety to these siblings. Inspire our leaders and guide us to be better advocates for the sake of each member in our community - especially those who have little power and no voice.
+ We pray for those who are hungry. Stir us to action to lift up our neighbors and seek policies that support them. We give thanks for our partnership with ELCA World Hunger - helping us find sustainable solutions to end hunger and provide nourishment domestically and abroad.
+ We pray for those places, people, and animals affected by natural disasters. 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: www.region1beprepared.org.
+ We lift up all in our communities who provide emergency services - those who respond first to bring aid: emergency medical workers, firefighters, community volunteers, and police. Grant them wisdom and safety in their work.
We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:
+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns: Glen Aaberg, Christine Finsand, Abi Griffith, Nan Beth Walton, Pam Miles, and Ron Melver.
+ We lift up Pr. Diana Bottin (Faith, Everett) as she recovers from surgery - grant her smooth, complete, and clot-free healing.
We pray for those who are awaiting diagnoses and treatment plans. Grant them peace and courage. Remind them that they are not alone.
+ We mourn with our fellow siblings as this pandemic continues to claim lives and livelihoods.. Bring peace and comfort to the families whose loved ones have died. Grant healing for those diagnosed and recovering. Protect and sustain medical workers, care providers, first responders, and chaplains. Guide those working distribute the vaccines. Sustain for those who are facing financial uncertainty due to loss of income. Help us all to be wise and vigilant in our actions.
+ We pray for our neighbors who are fearful or in danger in their relationships. Sustain those who protect, support, and advocate for people who are experiencing domestic violence. (Reach out here for help: https://wscadv.org/get-help-now/)
+ We lift up those experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Empower us to reach out to those who need care and support.
+ For those who are in despair, remember you are loved. You are never beyond God's mercy, grace, and love.
1-800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Hotline)
1-888-628-9454 (Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio)
1-800-799-4889 (TTY)
1-877-574-4729 (Trevor project/ LGBTQIA+ under 24)
1-877-565-8860 (Trans Lifeline/Trans Folx)
1-800-273-8255 (Veterans Crisis Line)
We pray for those who are grieving:
+ Loving God, wrap your arms of love and hope around all who are experiencing any kind of loss, disconnection, or brokenness.
+ We lift up Pr. Herb Shao (Synod Fellow) and family following the death of his father, Tommy Shao, on Saturday, April 10. (Cards of care may be sent to the Shao Family: 4600 NE 18th Renton WA 98059.)
+ We lift up Pr. Linda Roddis (retired) and family following the death of her sister Vicki on March 31. (Cards of care may be sent to: 14309 SE 169th St. Renton, WA 98058)
We pray for your church:
+ Gracious God, we give thanks for the many faithful volunteers in your church. This week we lift up long-time synod volunteer, Lorraine Molzahn, as she is about to turn 100 on April 24! You are invited to send greetings via her daughter, Sherianne Molzahn Caldwell: PO Box 3018, Bothell, WA 98041.
+ We celebrate the many years of service of our retired pastors and deacons. This week we give thanks for these retired rostered ministers: Mark Reitan, Walter Rice, and Robert Roiko. ... and we lift up Rita Anderson who just retired from Holy Spirit in Kirkland in March!
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries, their lay & rostered leaders:
-- Echoes Mission Start (Bellingham) and Pr. Charis Weathers & Pr. Emma Donohew.
-- Saint Andrew's Lutheran Church (Bellevue) and Pr. Lara Forbes;
-- the New England Synod, and their bishop, Rev. James Hazelwood;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia.
-- grant them wisdom and patience (especially in these challenging days) as they discern where it is that you are leading them;
-- we celebrate with Deacon Susan Franke as she began a new call to Swedish First Hill Medical Center to serve as a chaplain with the Palliative Care Team in January.
-- we look forward to celebrating the ordination of word and sacrament candidate, Cindy Myatt, as she has accepted a call to serve as a developer/pastor at our new start, Wild Church in the North Cascades. Her ordination will be on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22 at 2pm (see the next weekly update email for zoom link.)
-- we lift up the leaders who are guiding ministries in a time of transition: transition teams, call committees, transition pastors, congregation staff and lay leaders, and synod staff.
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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