18 January 2026 – Prayer for the Preacher

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Put my feet on solid ground today, God. And put a new song in my heart and mouth while you’re at it, even if only for a few moments. The song of the world is a dirge and it is all too easy to join in on that song. I am weary and tired and scared and angry and did I mention that I am weary and tired and sacred and angry? God of hope, I know I am not alone. I know you have not abandoned me. Open my eyes to signs of your hope alive and well in my life right now. Like in the cat who will only be right where I need to be, pawing at me for attention. The kid who needs my love but asks for it in frustrating ways. Food in my belly, music in my ears, the crunch of snow underfoot, laughter at a time like this – all ways for you to help me lift my head up and see you. Alive and well. It can feel very lonely to be the preacher, and it feels especially so these days. Please, please, please stir up my heart so that I don’t preach or lead worship with a cold, stoney heart. Help me to believe that you are alive and well in my own life. Cuz if I believe that? Well isn’t that a miracle? Then I might actually experience you in other people today. I might actually see you in a whole new way. Be near to me today, God. Send your Spirit, wake me up, remind me of the relationship we’ve always had and forgive my willful walking away from you. God this is hard. Being human is so hard sometimes. Help me today, ok? Your faithfulness to me looks nothing like my own or anything I can imagine. I am so grateful you are God and I am not.

Soften my heart for my family today. Draw us to one another with tenderness and mercy. Help us to depend on one another especially when what’s beyond our doors is so hard. And build us up to go back out into the world, confident in our love for one another that we have through you.

Give my colleagues your hope today too. Hope to do this work, to love, to keep on keeping on! I especially pray for my CGP colleagues across southern Minnesota. Draw us together in relationship to share in your love, to take strength in your love, to even relax in your love. Today I pray for:

Deborah Lyanga (Good Shepherd, Wells) for safe travels to Tanzania as she goes to her father’s bedside. And for a safe, merciful homecoming when the time comes.

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.

Drew Yackel (Our Savior’s, Faribault), who had surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon– for his healing, and for patience.

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 has begun.

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 rest and rejuvenation during this in between time.

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.

God, you know me. All of me. And you choose me and name me and call me to you. I am so grateful for your love. I love you. Amen.

Ok dear colleagues and friends. Do not despair, don’t be afraid, do not lose heart or hope – God is with you. And your work in the Lord Jesus Christ is not in vain.

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.