Prayers for the Week

Mar 4

Congregations in the Synod

For Living Hope & North Beaver Creek Lutheran Churches (Ettrick, WI) and their lay leaders
Gracious God, we celebrate with the North Hope Parish as they prepare for a new chapter of ministry together. We lift up the congregations of Living Hope Lutheran and North Beaver Creek Lutheran in Ettrick, asking that you pour out your Spirit upon their transition and their new pastor who begins at the end of this month. Grant this community a spirit of joyful anticipation, and may their new partnership be rooted in your grace, bearing fruit for the sake of the Gospel in their neighborhood and beyond. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
For Bells Coulee Lutheran (Bangor, WI) and their lay leaders

Gracious God, we lift up our siblings at Bells Coulee Lutheran Church in Bangor as they seek to be your hands and feet in their community. We pray especially for their lay leaders, that you would grant them clarity of vision, renewed energy, and a deep sense of joy in their service. May their shared ministry continue to bear fruit, drawing all people closer to your love and strengthening the bonds of fellowship within their congregation. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

For Lower Coon Valley Lutheran (Stoddard, WI) and S.A.M. Diane Martin

Gracious God, we lift up the community of Lower Coon Valley Lutheran in Stoddard and their Synod Authorized Minister, Diane Martin. We thank you for her dedicated leadership and for the faith of this congregation as they dwell in your Word and serve their neighbors. Grant Diane strength and wisdom in her ministry, and may the people of Lower Coon Valley be filled with a spirit of hospitality and hope as they witness to your love in the valley. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Emerging Leaders

For Dr. Seth Jones
Gracious God, we lift up Dr. Seth Jones as he prepares for his candidacy approval. Grant him a peace that passes all understanding during this time of discernment and formal review. Fill him with the clarity of your Holy Spirit as he reflects on his call to ministry, and guide the members of the candidacy committee with wisdom and insight. May he feel the strength of your presence and the support of the whole church as he takes this significant step in his journey of service. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
For Lay Leaders in the Synod
Gracious God, we lift up the emerging leaders of our synod who are participating in the Project Starling cohort through the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. We pray for Patti Happel, Tim Iverson, Nealey Janicek, Kim Nofsinger, Kris Stauffacher, and Peggy Werner, as well as their facilitator, Pastor Meg Hoversten. As they engage in this two-year journey of biblical study, theological reflection, and spiritual leadership, grant them inquisitive minds and strengthened hearts. May their commitment to growing in ministry skills bear rich fruit for our congregations and for the wider church, as they discern how best to serve your people. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

Special Requests

For the Conference of Bishops Gathering
Gracious and Holy God, we lift up the sixty-five bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as they gather this week for the Conference of Bishops. We pray especially for our Presiding Bishop, Rev. Yehiel Curry, as he begins his leadership among us, and for our own Bishop, Rev. Felix Malpica, as he represents our synod. Grant them and all the bishops a spirit of wisdom, discernment, and mutual support as they deliberate on the future of our church and our witness in the world. May your Holy Spirit guide their conversations and renew their strength for the sake of the Gospel. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Time of war
Eternal God, whose steadfast love never ends, we ask that you look upon the nations now engaged in war and hasten the day of peace. Look in mercy on those exposed to peril, conflict, sickness and death; and show compassion to the dying. In your good providence, remove all causes and occasions of war. Incline the hearts of all people to follow the path to peace and concord, that war may cease and the day of reconciliation may come quickly, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Those Who Suffer from War
Merciful God, you grieve amid the pain, fear and suffering of your children. Look with compassion on all who endure the miseries of war. Be mindful, too, of those who day and night face peril in defense of our nation. Guide them in their duties as they seek justice for those subjected to tyranny and liberty for those who are oppressed. Eternal Protector of the helpless, hear the cry of the distressed and grant speedy deliverance in a new day of peace and concord. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Those in the country’s service in a time of war
Almighty God, we lift up the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, especially her grandmother Pat Stafslien and the community at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. We pray for Nicole’s husband, her two children, and all who are devastated by her death in Kuwait; grant them your peace and the strength to carry one another through this profound loss. Let your protection be upon all those who are in the service of our nation, guarding them from all danger and harm, and sustaining those at home in hours of anxiety and sorrow. Uphold those who bear arms on land, sea, and in the air, and grant unto us and all nations a speedy, just, and lasting peace, to the glory of your holy name. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
For Healing and Recovery
Gracious God, we 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, and Craig. Grant them strength and comfort in their treatments, and surround them with loving support and unwavering hope. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
For the Migrant Justice Team and those they serve

God of the journey, we lift up the Migrant Justice Team as they continue their vital work of welcome and advocacy. In a world of shifting borders and uncertain paths, provide safety for all who are currently in transit and grant resilience to those seeking a place of peace. Soften hearts to see your image in the face of every stranger, and inspire our community to be a sanctuary of hope and justice. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

Partners in Ministry

For the Florida-Bahamas Synod
Gracious God, we lift up the Florida-Bahamas Synod and their Bishop, Rev. Pedro Suárez, as they minister across a diverse and vast territory. We pray for their 164 congregations and worshiping communities, particularly as they focus on "Fresh Expressions" of church and seek new ways to connect with their neighbors. Grant them wisdom as they prepare for their upcoming Synod Assembly and strength for their leaders who are navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry in Florida and the Bahamas. May their shared life be a witness to your "Just Love" and a source of hope for all people. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
For the Alaska Synod
Gracious God, we lift up the Alaska Synod and their Bishop, Rev. Timothy Oslovich. We thank you for the resilient witness of their congregations across the Great Land, from urban centers to remote villages. As they prepare to gather for their Synod Assembly, grant them safety in travel and a spirit of joyful connection. Strengthen their commitment to suicide prevention, climate justice, and the work of welcome, that they may be a light of hope for all. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.