Prayers for the Week
Congregations in the Synod
For Good Shepherd Lutheran, Viroqua Living God, we lift up the people of Good Shepherd Lutheran in Viroqua and their leader, Pastor Christopher Rajkumar. We thank you for their witness in the Heart of Viroqua and their dedication to being a community of grace. Grant them continued inspiration as they seek to serve their neighbors and grow in faith together. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran, Westby Generous God, we pray for Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran and Pastor Alyssa Weaver. We give thanks for their heritage of 175 years of ministry and their future, especially as they enter a new chapter of explicit welcome as an RIC congregation. Bless their worship, their fellowship, and their outreach, that they may be a light of Christ’s love in the Westby community. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Immanuel Lutheran, Cashton Caring God, we pray for the congregation of Immanuel Lutheran in Cashton and Pastor Amanda Schultz. Guide them in their life together and strengthen their hands for service. May their ministry be a source of hope and nourishment for all who walk through their doors and for the community they serve. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Emerging Leaders
Holy God, we lift up Michael Pechman as he continues his studies and formation at Wartburg Theological Seminary. We thank you for his "yes" to your call. Bless the faculty, staff, and students at Wartburg, that it may be a place of deep learning, spiritual growth, and preparation for the future of your Church. Guide Michael in his discernment and sustain him with your grace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Special Requests
In Sympathy for the Solyst Family Loving God, we pray for Pastor Mark & Carol Solyst and their family following the death of their child and sibling, Chara (Matthew). As they navigate this time of profound loss and await the funeral at English Lutheran Church, be their strength and their refuge. Surround them with the support of their community and the promise of your eternal care. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Healing and Recovery Gracious God, we lift up Pastor Steve Meyer and his family as he recovers from surgery. Grant him a steady return to health, patience in the healing process, and a deep sense of your presence. We also pray for all those within our community and beyond who are facing the profound challenge of cancer, especially remembering Alice DaFoe, Pastor Joanne Richmond, and Pastor Gloria Stubitsch and Craig. Grant them strength and comfort in their treatments, and surround them with loving support and unwavering hope. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the Season of Lent Holy God, as our congregations prepare to enter the forty days of Lent, we ask for your guidance. Soften our hearts for repentance, sharpen our minds for reflection, and steady our feet as we begin the journey toward the Cross. May this season be a time of renewal for all our faith communities as we seek to cultivate life-giving relationships rooted in your love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Peace and Justice in our Region Gracious God, we lift up the communities in Wisconsin and Minnesota facing civil unrest and fear surrounding the presence of ICE. We pray for those who are afraid to leave their homes and for families seeking safety. Grant us the courage to be a sanctuary of peace, the strength to advocate for the vulnerable, and the will to work toward a world where all are treated with dignity. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For LuMin and Bible Camp Ministries We pray for LuMin (Lutheran Campus Ministry), that it may continue to be a beacon of grace for students. We also lift up our Bible Camps, Luther Park and Sugar Creek, as they recruit summer staff. Send them young leaders filled with energy and faith, that through their service, the next generation may experience the transformative power of your Word in creation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Congregational Governance and Celebration We pray for all congregations currently holding or preparing for their annual meetings. In a special way, we celebrate with Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church following their vote to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. May their commitment to explicit welcome be a blessing to the community. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Health and Safety in the Cold Compassionate God, we remember all those struggling with the extreme winter cold and those working through seasons of illness. Protect the unhoused, sustain healthcare workers, and bring healing to those who are weary in body or spirit. Enfold them in your warmth and grant them peace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Partners in Ministry
For the Southern Ohio Synod Gracious God, we lift up our siblings in the Southern Ohio Synod, their Bishop, and their staff. We give thanks for the shared vision that makes us "Stronger and Better Together." Guide them as they live out their calling of Joining Jesus in the Restoration of the World. Strengthen our partnership as we move beyond our own borders, working side-by-side to bring healing, hope, and wholeness to all your creation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the New Jersey Synod Holy God, we lift up the congregations and leaders of the New Jersey Synod and their newly elected leader, Bishop Christa M. Compton. We thank you for their commitment to being a "walking together" people. Bless their efforts to cultivate Christ-centered, generous, and resilient communities. Guide them as they live out their core values of diversity and interdependence, and empower them in their mission of walking together in faith to cultivate communities for the sake of the world. May our shared work across the ELCA be a testament to the transformation and hope found in your Gospel. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the Wisconsin Council of Churches
For our Peru (ILP) companion synod
For our Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB) companion synod
For Luther Park Bible Camp in Chetek, WI
For Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville, WI
