Prayers for the Week

Ministry Sites in the Synod

• For Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church
  Gracious God, we pray for Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church in Westby, Wisconsin, and for Pastor Alyssa Weaver. Guide their ministry, strengthen their fellowship, and empower them to share your love in their community. Lord, in your mercy… receive our prayer.

• For English Lutheran Church
  Loving God, surround the call committee of English Lutheran with your wisdom as they discern future leadership. We give thanks for Interim Pastors Lisa Shank and Steve Minnima—bless their ministry and guidance during this time of transition. Lord, in your mercy… receive our prayer.

• For Good Shepherd Lutheran: Faithful Shepherd, we pray for Good Shepherd Lutheran in La Crosse and their call committee as Pastor Harald Bringsjord prepares for retirement. Grant wisdom to the search process, grant Pastor Harald peace in transition, and prepare the heart of the pastor you are calling to serve them next. Lord, in your mercy… receive our prayer.

Prayer Requests from the Synod

• For Mission & Work Trips
  Almighty God, protect all who are traveling on mission and work trips. Keep them safe, open the hearts of those they serve alongside, and let their work reflect your healing presence in the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

• For Outdoor Ministries & Creation
  Creator of all life, we pray for our environment amidst summer heat and smoke-impacted air. Protect outdoor workers, events, and ministries. We lift up Luther Park Bible Camp in Chetek and Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville—keep campers, counselors, and staff healthy, safe, and filled with joy under your care. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

• For Maddie Sweeney & Family
  God of compassion, hold Maddie Sweeney and her family close as they grieve the loss of her grandfather. Surround them with your comfort, assurance, and the hope of the resurrection. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Emerging Leaders & Rhythms of Ministry

• For Pastor Becky Goche & Cheryl Groom
  God of all seasons, we give thanks for the faithful ministry of Pastor Becky Goche as she enters retirement. Bless her and her spouse, Cheryl Groom, with joy, rest, and peace as they begin this new chapter of life. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

• For Jeff Hoch & Holmen Lutheran
  Holy Spirit, bless Jeff Hoch as he begins his seminary internship at Holmen Lutheran Church in Holmen, Wisconsin. Grant him growth, fruitfulness, and encouragement, and bless the congregation as they walk alongside him in learning. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

• For Pastor Dione Stepanek
  Lord of the Church, protect and inspire Pastor Dione Stepanek as she travels to and attends the ELCA Churchwide Staff Gathering in Chicago this week. May this time of assembly bring renewed vision, mutual support, and spiritual energy. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

• For Pastor Lucy Sesvold & Journey Lutheran Church
  Creator God, grant Pastor Lucy Sesvold and her family a time of rest, renewal, and deep refreshment during her sabbatical. Hold Journey Lutheran Church in your care while she is away, keeping them united in faith and purpose. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

• For Bishop Felix Malpica & Family
  Loving and sustaining God, we pray for Bishop Felix Malpica and his family during this time of sabbatical. Grant them quiet rest, spiritual renewal, and quality time together. Guard and keep the La Crosse Area Synod in faith while he is away, and bring him back to us refreshed in spirit and vision. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Local Ministry Partners

• LuMin in La Crosse
  God of Radical Welcome, we give thanks for the vital, life-giving work of LuMin Campus Ministry in La Crosse. Hold Pastor Kathryn Thompson in your grace as they companion the students of UW-La Crosse, Viterbo University, and Western Technical College. In a world that often demands easy answers, create through LuMin safe harbors for honest doubt, deep questioning, and authentic belonging. As a new academic season approaches, bless this ministry as a refuge and sacred community. Lord, in your mercy…receive our prayer.

• Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan
  Fierce and Unrelenting God, We pray for the wide-reaching hands and hearts of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. As our neighbors weather the storms of economic insecurity, mental health crises, and harsh seasonal extremes, be their anchor and strength. Renew the energy and spirits of every caseworker, advocate, and volunteer. Endow them with abundant resources, bold courage, and sustained endurance as they break cycles of oppression and honor the sacred dignity of every human life. Lord, in your mercy… receive our prayer.

Wider Church Partners in Ministry

• For Partner Synods
  God of the global church, bless our siblings in faith across the ELCA, especially the Alaska Synod and the Northwest Washington Synod. Strengthen their witness, sustain their leaders, and deepen our shared bond in Christ. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

• Eco-Faith Summit of the Upper Midwest
  Creator of Earth and Sky, We pray for the lingering, multiplying impact of the Eco-Faith Summit of the Upper Midwest. Where the weight of a changing climate feels overwhelming, breathe into your people a renewed holy imagination, steady resilience, and an unquenchable passion for climate justice. Teach us to walk softly and act boldly in defense of your interconnected creation. Bind us in unwavering solidarity with the frontline communities bearing the heaviest burdens of ecological harm. Lord, in your mercy… receive our prayer.

• Wisconsin Council of Churches
  God of Unifying Love, We hold up the ministry of the Wisconsin Council of Churches. In a world fragmented by division, make their ecumenical voice a courageously prophetic witness for collective liberation, equity, and restoration. Empower their shared advocacy as they labor to uproot systemic injustice and cultivate communities across Wisconsin where every neighbor—without exception—is nurtured and can fully flourish. Lord, in your mercy… receive our prayer.

• Our Companion Synods
  God of the global family, we lift up our companions in the Iglesia Luterana del Peru and the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren. We thank you for the gift of mutual accompaniment that breaks down borders and expands our hearts. Empower us to learn from their unique witnesses and resilience, grounding our global partnership in humility, equity, and a shared commitment to your justice. Lord, in your mercy… receive our prayer.