“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 peace in our world…
For all casualties of conflicts between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine, and all places of war in our world…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Lewiston, ME; Chicago, IL; Brooklyn, NY; Bristol, VT; Cranston, RI; Birmingham AL …
For increased understanding and cooperation among religions, cultures, and peoples…
For those fighting wildfires in California…
For upcoming elections and transitions in government, and for renewed commitment to the common good…
For communities damaged by Hurricane Otis…
For refugees and all migrants…
In thanksgiving for our ancestors of faith…
In celebration with the newly baptized and those preparing for baptism…
Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in November: American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
Reformation Day (Oct 31)
Halloween (Oct 31)
Día de Muertos (Nov 1-2)
All Saints’ Day (Nov 1)
All Souls’ Day (Nov 2)
Martín de Porres, renewer of society, died 1639 (Nov 3)
All Saints’ Sunday (Nov 5)
Daylight Saving Time Ends (Nov 5)
John Christian Frederick Heyer, died 1873; Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg, died 1719; Ludwig Nommensen, died 1918; missionaries (Nov 7)
Election Day (USA, Nov 7)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A set of worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land is now 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. Additions may be made to these resources in the coming days and weeks. PDF DOC
A prayer for remembering those who have died (ELW Occasional Services: Pastoral Care p. 283)
God, the generations rise and pass away before you. You are the strength of those who labor; you are the rest of the blessed dead. We rejoice in the company of your saints. We remember all who have lived in faith, all who have peacefully died, and those most dear to us who rest in you. Give us in time our portion with those who have trusted in you and have striven to do your holy will. To your name, with he church on earth and the church in heaven, we ascribe all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
A prayer for faithful living in society (ACS p. 50)
Sovereign God, your Son Jesus lived within the structures of society even as he spoke truth to those in power and challenged systems of oppression. Empower us to be courageous disciples and responsible citizens. Grant that our life in the public realm be grounded in love for our neighbors, care for the most vulnerable in our midst, and respect for the common life we share, following the example of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
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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.
