Prayers for the Week

Feb 3

Congregations in the Synod

For Bethany Lutheran in Esofia
Holy God, we ask your blessing upon Bethany Lutheran Church in Esofia. We give thanks for the commitment of their lay leaders who step forward to serve your church. Support them in their work, inspire their vision, and remind them that they are never alone as they carry out the ministry of the baptized. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For Zion Lutheran in Galesville

Almighty God, we lift up the community of Zion Lutheran Church in Galesville. Strengthen them in their mission to be a beacon of your love in their neighborhood. Bless the ministry of Pastor Joe Iverson, that he may be guided by your Spirit as he leads, preaches, and cares for your people. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For Zion Lutheran in Friendship

Gracious God, we pray for your presence to surround Zion Lutheran Church in Friendship. We give thanks for the dedicated service of Synod Authorized Minister Peggy Werner. Empower her with wisdom and grace as she tends to your flock, and knit this congregation together in faith and service to their community. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Emerging Leaders

For Jason Knipe and Lewis Valley Lutheran
God of Wisdom, we pray for Jason Knipe as he continues his second year of study at Wartburg Seminary. As he dives deeper into your Word and prepares for a life of leadership, grant him a spirit of discernment, endurance for his studies, and a heart open to your call. We also pray for the people of Lewis Valley Lutheran in Holmen; keep them ever-supportive of Jason as they walk alongside him in this journey. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For Lay Leaders and Students
God of the call, we lift up the lay leaders in the Cashton area who are stepping forward with courage to explore leading worship for your people. Fill them with your Holy Spirit as they offer their gifts in service to their neighbors. We especially pray for those beginning the Preaching the Gospel: Discipleship Matters online class this week. Grant them curious minds and open hearts as they study, that their words may reflect your grace and their leadership may strengthen the body of Christ. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
For the La Crosse Area Synod Council

God of our shared life, we pray for the La Crosse Area Synod Council as they gather for their retreat this weekend. We give thanks for the many volunteer hours and the steady guidance provided by Vice President Maureen Starmack, Secretary Dennis Glaman, and Treasurer Ross Hardie throughout the year. As the council meets, remind them that together in Jesus Christ, we are freed by your grace. Grant them a spirit of collaboration so they may lead us to live courageously, and creatively in our mission together. 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 later this month, 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, Pastor Gloria Stubitsch, Tammi 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 Bishop Felix Malpica

God, we lift up our Bishop, Felix Malpica. We thank you for his steady leadership as he guides us through times of civil unrest and the pain of racism and profiling in our communities. As he carries these heavy burdens, give him your strength and wisdom. Guard his spirit against weariness and grant him a sense of peace and restorative sabbath. Remind him—and us—that you are always accompanying him, providing the endurance he needs to lead us forward. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For Peace and Justice in our Region

God of our neighbors, we look at the fear and unrest in our local communities—especially in Wisconsin and Minnesota—and we ask for your peace. Be with those who feel stuck behind closed doors, afraid for their families and their safety as ICE presence increases. Shake us awake and give us the courage to be a safe place for those who are hurting. Help us to speak up, to show up, and to build a community where everyone can walk the streets with dignity. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For Luther Park Bible Camp
God of joy, we pray for Luther Park Bible Camp as they gather for their annual meeting this weekend. We thank you for this special place "where faith is nurtured through holy play." Bless the staff and the board as they make decisions for the future, and look ahead with them to the coming summer. Begin preparing the hearts of the staff yet to be hired and the campers yet to arrive, that the camp may continue to be a place of growth, laughter, and rest. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.For
LuMin La Crosse and Local Students

Holy God, we lift up LuMin La Crosse and the students at UW-La Crosse, Viterbo, and Western Tech. In the middle of classes, work, and searching for where they belong, let LuMin be a place where they find community and your unconditional love. We pray for the future of this ministry and for the new programs and gatherings being planned. Guide the leaders as they create space for students to ask hard questions and find honest faith. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran

Gracious God, we celebrate with our neighbors at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran and Pastor Alyssa as they have recently become an Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. Bless them as they live into their new commitment to be a place where all are truly welcome, seen, and loved. Grant them courage and joy as they widen their doors and their hearts, following your example of extravagant grace for every child of God. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Partners in Ministry

For the Delaware-Maryland and Caribbean Synods

God of the whole church, we lift up our siblings in the Delaware-Maryland Synod. Guide their leaders and congregations as they seek to be a witness for your grace in their neighborhoods and cities. We also pray for the Caribbean Synod, for Bishop Idalia Negrón Caamaño, and for the people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Strengthen them as they navigate the unique challenges of their region, and fill them with hope as they share the joy of the Gospel across the islands. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.