21 December 2025 Prayer for the Deacon, Chaplain, Pastor

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God of Advent, come and save me, God. From myself, my overblown expectations, my fear and doubt. Yes, I pray to you God to save me first from myself. As I prepare to help my community prepare for your birth, please be born in me new again today. Help your good news of Jesus to wake me up to the awe and wonder of love that arrives in such a vulnerable and unexpected way to meet me in my own life. Stir up hope that only comes from you, God. Hope to see your promises taking hold of me. Stir up my cynical heart. Take my hand, lift up my chin, and let your love shine on me. It’s your story, timeless and timely, that meets me today with love. Help me to believe this story in every fiber of my being.

And may the awe and wonder of your love wash over me and my family. You’ve given us to each other to love and care for, so help me and my family to see the wonder and joy that is within our family.

I pray too for my colleagues – those in town, across the state, across the church. And for my CGP colleagues, that they too would know the miracle of your love born again in them today.

I especially pray for my colleagues who are grieving. Give them hope in your promises and even just a moment to not think about the work of Christmas so they can simply and blessedly be a human in grief.

Kristi Mitchell (Redeemer, Alden, Concordia, Pickeral Lake), as she grieves the death of her husband Bill. Fill her with the promise of life from death and eternal love. As grief moves in in a new way, so too does your love, O God who is with her.

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

Krista Strum (Hosanna, Rochester) as her dad, Maurice enters hospice.

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 gets going. Ease his worried mind and assure him that you are with him.

Ben Hilding (Gustavus, St. Peter), for continued strengthened immunity, joy in this season, and perseverance as he prepares for 6 weeks of radiation.

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.

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 these dear friends and for all the things spinning in my heart, in my mind, in my being – you know it all. You love it all. You love me. Thank you, God. Amen.

Ok dear friends – take a few good, deep breaths. Feel it down from the tips of your toes to the crown of your head. God is with you. Don’t lose heart. Don’t be afraid.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.