“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, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, and all areas of conflict…
For Shanghai and all in the path of Typhoon Bebinca…
For those affected by the Houston pipleline explosion…
For the safety of political leaders amidst threats of violence…
For the Haitian community of Springfield, OH; for Wittenberg University and all schools and institutions under threat…
For those affected by flooding in Central Europe and in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States…
Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in September: National Suicide Prevention Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15),
Dag Hammarskjöld, renewer of society, died 1961 (Sept 18)
National POW/MIA Recognition Day (Sept 20)
Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Sept 21)
September Equinox (Sept 22)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the spread of the gospel (ELW p.75)
By your word, eternal God, your creation sprang forth, and we were given the breath of life. By your
word, eternal God, death is overcome, Christ is raised from the tomb, and we are given new life in the
power of your Spirit. May we boldly proclaim this good news in our words and deeds, rejoicing always in
your powerful presence; through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.
A prayer for preservation and healing from exploitation (ACS p.47)
Holy Spirit, you move through all creation with signs too deep for words. Open our hearts to listen to the
cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. Speak through your church to rebuke the forces that seek to
exploit your planet. Join our human prayers with the voices of all creation and move us to honor you by
preserving the gifts of nature that reveal your glory. 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.
