28 December 2025 Prayer for the Deacon, Pastor, Chaplain

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God of wonder, now that the dust has settled and I’ve been able to take a breath, I thank you for the gift of routine. That I am preparing to do what I know how to do so well – you have equipped me to do it. To lead a community in praise and worship of you. It’s not about One Special Night. It’s not about our human expectations. It is about you and how you blow our expectations sideways and upside down. And so no matter how many people show up for worship or not. No matter if I end up preaching to a virtual congregation – your promise will be proclaimed and sung and prayed in a hundred different ways. Your promise undoes the things we muddle up. Your promise makes me who I am – imperfect and wonderfully made by you.

Help me love my people well today. Whoever my people are – close family, chosen family, all if it. And help my colleagues across the church know they are not alone, that your love is enough, that it matters so very much that they awoke today and made it to church.

I pray especially for my CGP friends who are hurting, healing, and grieving in a time that lays bare all our hurts and woes. Help them see that they too have made it to yet another day by some kind of miracle.

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.

Thank you God for the community that surrounds me, for finding you alive and well in them and beyond. Thank you for your wonderous, thunderous, calming and peaceful love. Amen.

Ok dear friends – Remember – 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.