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Russia - Prayer Ventures
For the church
Merciful God, we thank you for the rebirth of the church in the former
Soviet Union. Bless, we pray, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia and
Other States and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia. May the
mission established there in the name of your Son grow and thrive. Bless the
Lutherans in Russia and in our country as we work together to spread the Good
News about your love and compassion.
For current needs
Gracious God, we pray for the people of Russia and their neighbors as they
continue to rebuild their economic and social systems in the wake of dissolution
and hardship. Strengthen them in their efforts and help them find ways to
organize their economic system in a way that will promote long-term unity and
stability, and grant them peace in the midst of conflict. We lift up to you all
other cares on the hearts and minds of our brothers and sisters there.
For those serving
Great and Loving God, we ask for your continuing support of the work done by
missionaries in Russia as the church strives to spread the Good News of your
everlasting love and forgiveness. Guide them as they communicate in different
languages and help them embrace the blessings offered by Christians around the
world so that we might understand and pass on the diverse ways in which your
love comes to us.
For companion relationships
God of compassion, we give thanks for the Companion Synod Program of the ELCA
which allows ELCA synods and congregations to develop more personal
relationships with our global Christian neighbors. We pray especially for the
ELCA Northwest Washington and Central States Synods as they relate to the
churches in Russia through prayer and communication, that the they might find
new meaning in this global connection.
For church leadership
God of Wisdom, your insight and guidance fill our lives. Show us new ways to
understand your power and presence with us. Thank you for the church in Russia
and for those who continue to share your message there. Bless the educational
ministries of the churches, that growth in knowledge and faith might lead to
more effective mission
For open hearts
God our Creator, you make all people part of your family. You make all that is
good in our lives and fill us with your everlasting love. Bless us as we learn
more about our sisters and brothers in eastern Europe and throughout the world.
Help us to embrace our common blessing in serving you. Open our eyes to the
gifts you give us in each other. Guide us to build bridges between our cultures
and our churches. We ask these things in the name we confess together, your
precious Son, Jesus Christ.
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