“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.
Prayer prompts:
For lasting peace in Gaza, and for an end to all war and violence around the world…
For immigrants, refugees, and all migrants seeking safety and stability…
For the continued work of the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement, and for rights and restoration for indigenous peoples…
For healing and cooperation in American politics…
For the dignity of all people, and especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities…
In gratitude for all of God’s gifts, and for our generous hearts and responsible stewardship…
For Advent watching and waiting as we long for hope and peace to prevail on earth…
Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in November: National Veterans and Military Families Month, National Adoption Awareness Month, National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Prematurity Awareness Month
Day of Thanksgiving (USA, Nov. 28)
Andrew, Apostle (Nov. 30)
Francis Xavier, missionary to Asia, died 1552 (Dec. 3)
John of Damascus, theologian and hymnwriter, died around 749 (Dec. 4)
Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, died around 342 (Dec. 6)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for those who live under oppression (ELW)
Look with mercy, gracious God, upon people everywhere who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Rouse us from our complacency and help us to eliminate cruelty wherever it is found. Strengthen those who seek equality for all. Grant that everyone may enjoy a fair portion of the abundance of the earth; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A prayer for the public church (ACS)
Mighty and merciful God, lover of justice and equity, you call us to support the weak, to help those who suffer, and to honor all people. By the power of your Holy Spirit, make us advocates for your justice and instruments of your peace, so that all may be reconciled in your beloved community; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
A set of worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land is available on ELCA.org. Several prayers are provided that could be used during the prayers of intercession or at other times, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings. PDF DOC
A set of worship resources for national elections is available on ELCA.org. Scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions are offered, to be used in settings such as prayer vigils, Morning or Evening Prayer, regular weekly worship or personal devotion in the weeks preceding or following an election. PDF DOC
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ELW = Evangelical Lutheran Worship
ACS = All Creation Sings: Evangelical Lutheran Worship Supplement
Additional topical prayers are found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (pp. 72–87) and All Creation Sings (pp. 46–55), as well as in other resources provided in print and online at sundaysandseasons.com.
Crafted intercessions for every Sunday and festival are provided in the Sundays and Seasons worship planning guide published in-print and online by Augsburg Fortress. Further assistance for composing prayers of intercession can be found here: Resources for Crafting Prayers of Intercession
Prayer Ventures, a daily prayer resource, is a guide to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world.
