1 March 2026 – Prayer for the Deacon + Pastor + Chaplain

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God who is peace. The nations are in uproar, kingdoms are falling, lift your voice, God, and the earth melts. You love me more than hate loves war. Help me to believe that because the world seems bent on trying to prove me wrong. And yet, I stand in awe of your love and your acts of mercy which leave me speechless and also, somehow, set me on the path of following you out into the world that you so love that you never give up on it. You don’t give up on me, even when I threaten to leave the path or turn around or look at you like I’ve never seen you before. So fill me with your bold love so that I may ask the very question that I am certain will un-do me. Because that’s the question that will ultimately save me. Because when you speak into my life, I have to let go of all the things I thought I knew. And it feels like dying. Being reborn is not for the faint of heart, so stand me on my feet and let my cold heart and my uncertain tongue bleat out your words of promise. Love is stronger than death. Love is stronger than war. And get me moving on the pathway toward people with this word – love – sounding from my mouth. It sounds utterly ridiculous. Which means it’s true. Help me want to do this today. Help me actually show up and look people in the eye and declare your hope and truth and love, which are not stagnant or hidden away or myths to be closed off in dusty old book or an out of touch religion. This is the stuff of life for me right now and for all others I will encounter today. Yes, this job makes it feel as if I’ve lost my mind some days. And that’s a sign that you’re just getting started in me.

Create new life within me and my closest family, the ones I love and who love me. Help us to stand rooted in your love that gives us the power to show love to one another. Make this a home base of love to give me courage to go out into the world.

Speak your words of life to my colleagues and friends today and help them want to do their jobs today. I pray for ELCA leaders across southern Minnesota and especially for my colleagues in CGP.

For those grieving

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

Kristi Mitchell (Redeemer, Alden, Concordia, Pickeral Lake), as she moves through the slow and quite grief of losing her husband Bill.

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

For all rostered leaders who know and live with and carry grief, known and unknown, each day.

For those in need of healing

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

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

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

For those in the in-between in ministry

Peg Marose – On Leave From Call

Drew Yackel – Discernment for new call

Kent Krumwiede – In between calls, discernment of new call

For all the many seen and unseen things my colleagues are up to in protecting and reaching out to the neighbor in these very bonkers times. What signs of life their actions bring – what miracles! Thank you for the miracle of your son, Jesus. Wake me up again today to a new way of life with you. Amen.

Ok CGP friends and colleagues – today is the day to remember:  You are beloved. You are known. Don’t be afraid – God is with you.

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.