1 February 2026 Prayer for the Pastor + Deacon + Chaplain

https://www.cgpmn.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1-February-2026.m4a

God of mercy, God who is faithful, God of love, God of hope – repair the breech cuz it feels like we’re going down! And of course, the breech is always repaired, the chasm is fixed through Jesus. Give me eyes to see and a heart to bear witness to the blessings that abound especially in these difficult and long days. All is not lost, because that’s always your story. And. And yet. In this moment, I might feel lost and confess to you my weariness, my utter exhaustion from all that is happening in Minnesota, in my own personal life, and in the life of the people I serve. Can I get a witness please!? Could someone else figure out what to say in your name today? Because preaching into this and walking the tightrope and telling the truth of Jesus…did I mention how weary I am, God? And I know you’ve got my back, you’ve got my heart. You will hold me and drag me along when needed. You are the reason I have anything to say at all. You are the reason I have any hope to point to at all. So thank you, God, for blessing me with this calling, this utterly impossible, amazing call to speak faithful words and stand in holy spaces with people and point to you. And to declare the words of Jesus – blessed are the ones who don’t seem to be blessed by the world’s standards. It includes me. It is part of me. And it is all of us. Your blessing turns it all upside down and it gives me ridiculous hope! Fill me with that ridiculous hope today.

I pray for those who I love the most and best, the ones who are part of my DNA, who are in my heart and whose names are on my lips most often. Draw us together. Hold us fast. Guard our heart and our minds in your love and mercy. Help us to practice this love you have given us with one another so we can love the world.

And I pray especially for my CGP friends:

For those in grief

Shannon Wachter (Gloria Dei, Redwood Falls) as she and her family grieve the sudden death of their dog, Bear.

Krista Strum (Hosanna, Rochester) as she grieves the death of her dad, Maurice.

Gretchen Pierskalla (Zion, Arlington) as she grieves the death of her sister Marlene.

Kristi Mitchell (Redeemer, Alden, Concordia, Pickeral Lake), as she grieves the death of her husband Bill.

Becca Krogstad (Bethany, Moran and St. Matthews, Evan), as she grieves the recent death of her mom.

Scott Richards (St. Paul’s and Trinity, Gaylord), grieving the death of his dad.

For those practicing civil disobedience, for their witness and courage through your Holy Spirit

Drew Yackel (OLFC, Northfield)

Paul Graham (Interim at St. Olaf Student Congregation, Northfield)

For those in need of healing

Brittany Mailleue (Christ the King, Mankato), healing from surgery to remove a cancer and a good report

Christa Forsythe (Immanuel, Atwater) and her mom, Nancy, recovering from a life-threatening allergic reaction during a routine surgery.

Deborah Lyanga (Good Shepherd, Wells) healing for her father and thanksgiving for her homecoming.

Dale Degner (Trinity, Benson), as the chemo schedule takes hold as well as side effects. Bring him your comfort and joy.

Ben Hilding (Gustavus, St. Peter), as 6 weeks of radiation concludes.

Nissa Peterson (Chatfield Lutheran & Root Prairie), as she and her family accompany Grandpa Roger in hospice care.

Peg Marose (Good Hope Parish, Thompson, IA · Kiester, MN · Bricelyn, MN), for her last Sunday in ministry at this call and with these people.

For colleagues presiding at difficult funerals and walking with people in their grief. This is its own kind of grief that I too bear.

Thank you, God. What an incredibly icky, special, and scary time to be a pastor, a deacon, a chaplain. Everything I do is rooted in your love, and that is as strong as anything can be. Help me to trust you, to trust your strength, and to remember this strong love is for me. Amen.

CGP-ers! You’re doing it! Your small acts of love – getting meals to people trapped in their homes, driving people, scoping out the streets, being legal witnesses, praying and worrying for your people and your community – it’s amazing! Just by being you, you’re saving the world! I know, I know – that’s for Jesus to do, but you know what I mean! Keep following Jesus. You’re doing it! You’re totally doing it! And also! Sit down and get a glass of water. Put on some chap stick and some lotion. Take a few hours to off or a whole extra day. Breathe in and out. And remember, once you’ve stopped screaming you’ll hear the angel say, “God is with you.” And angels don’t lie.

If you have a prayer request for the CGP prayers, please email Laura at: aase@gustavus.edu. It can be as specific or as vague as you request. Don’t be shy – being prayed for is so powerful. Especially by other pastors, deacons, and chaplains.