“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, for Syria, and for all nations affected by ongoing warfare or conflict…
For political stability in South Korea and in France…
For Leonard Peltier and others seeking justice from the U.S. legal system…
For the U.S Supreme Court as it hears arguments surrounding transgender healthcare…
For the International Court of Justice as it prepares for a case on climate change…
In celebration of the renovations to the Notre Dame Cathedral…
For retail workers during the holiday season…
For those who are grieving during the holiday season…
Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in November: World HIV/AIDS Month, Universal Human Rights Month
International Day of People with Disabilities (Dec 3)
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)
Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, died 397 (Dec 7)
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec 7)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec 9)
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec 12)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for those in trouble or bereavement (ELW)
Almighty God, your love never fails, and you can turn the shadow of death into daybreak. Help us to receive your word with believing hearts, so that, confident in your promises, we may have hope and be lifted out of sorrow into the joy and peace of your presence; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
A prayer for 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.
