Prayers
Updated: 11/15/2008
To add a prayer to the prayer list, or to be included in the email prayer chain of the Seward and Moose Pass congregations, please send a request to the pastor...
New prayer requests are listed in bold type. Please pray for:
- for the family of Robin Hoogland on her passing Friday.
- for Gwen's dad, Bud, in ICU in Washington state...
- for John, a recovering alcoholic, currently in jail, suicidal, and in need of our prayers.
- For the congregations as we go through a time of Stewardship discernment.
- Prayers for 2 year old Kiana in Seattle who is undergoing cancer treatments. Her Aunt Quyana reminds us, "Hold onto your loved ones and love them a little more. Give them an extra hug."
- Prayers for Trish's husband receiving medical treatments in Anchorage.
- Prayers for the leadership of the Alaska Conference as the conference meets this week.
- Continued prayers for healing for Roger S., Chuck B., Linda F. as they seek treatment for cancer.
- Travelling mercies for the large number of loved ones who are travelling at this time of year.
- Prayers of thanksgiving for the healing brought to Karin S. who is now out of the hospital and home here in Seward. Hallelujah!
- Prayers for persecuted Christians around the world.
- Prayers of thanksgiving for healing.
- Prayers for the nation during a time of economic uncertainty.
- Prayer of thanksgiving for answered prayers for work.
- Prayers for a family in crisis in the church family.
- For persons discerning directions for important life and relationship issues.
- Prayers for the new campus ministry start-up at AVTEC this Fall.
- For the staff of Providence Medical and other medical professionals in the community as they deal with our medical emergencies.
- Prayers for churches in our community undergoing pastoral transitions.
- The residents and staff at Wesley Care and Rehab Center.
- Prayers for the inmates and staff at Spring Creek prison.
- The crew and families of the USCGC Mustang.
- Our troops overseas.
- Students at AVTEC.
Each year, in May, Seward ceremonially "opens" our harbor for the season. The following is a prayer we offer on that occasion...
Prayer for the Blessing of the Fleet, May 2008
God of all compassion and mercy, we call upon you with many names, and we come today to ask your blessing upon those who travel through still waters and storm from this safe harbor. God, our vessels are frail, and the ocean is vast, but you are the one who stands in the prow, keeping watch over our lives and livelihoods. Keep watch over the sailors who from this port fish the far waters as they provide for their families. Keep watch over the sailors who show the beauty of the bay called Resurrection to those who come from far away to see your handiwork in this wondrous place we call home. Keep watch over those who venture forth in small craft to see the wonders of your creation and bring in a small harvest from our bay. Watch over those who sail from this place and carry the bounty of the land from one distant shore to another. Watch over those who guard the sea in missions of search and rescue, science and security. And watch over those who remain behind, the families of all who go to sea, through our long periods of separation, until at last over the horizon shall appear the familiar vessel that bears our loved ones home.
Our prayer rises up to join the mighty chorus of those who have sung the prayer for generations:
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the Sea.
Good and gracious God, bless this fleet and all who sail upon these waters, today and throughout this season, and let all of the children of the land, who have ever ventured out upon your waters, say in hearty affirmation… AMEN.