“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 Syria and all nations facing conflict, transition, and uncertainty…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Madison, WI…
For political stability in South Korea, France, and Germany…
For post-earthquake recovery and rebuilding efforts in Vanuatu…
For victims of Cyclone Chido in south-east Africa…
For access to healthcare, food, and shelter for those most vulnerable…
For health and safety in areas where avian flu has been identified…
For the many world religions celebrating holidays in this season…
Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in December: World HIV/AIDS Month, Universal Human Rights Month
Katharina von Bora Luther, renewer of the church, died 1552 (Dec 20)
Winter Solstice (Dec 21)
Yule (Dec 21-Jan)
Nativity of Our Lord (I), Christmas Eve (Dec 24)
Nativity of Our Lord (II & III), Christmas Day (Dec 25)
Stephen, Deacon and Martyr (Dec 26)
Hanukkah (Judaism, Dec 26-Jan 2)
Kwanzaa (Dec 26-Jan 1)
John, Apostle and Evangelist (Dec 27)
The Holy Innocents, Martyrs (Dec 28)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
Resources for responding to gun violence
Prayer for Lament (ACS p. 61)
Service After a Violent Event (ACS p. 64)
A prayer for time of conflict, crisis, or disaster (ACS p. 49)
God most mighty, God most merciful, our sacred stories tell us that you help and save your people. You are the fortress: may there be no more war. You are the harvest: may there be no more hunger. You are the light: may no one die alone or in despair. God most majestic, God most motherly, grant us your life, the life that flows from your Son and the Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
A prayer for interreligious cooperation and understanding (ACS p. 51)
O God, whose name is above all names, your grace cannot be contained within human limits. We offer our thanks for holy wisdom that comes in other voices, in religions and worldviews different from our own, and in prayers offered in the wideness of your love. Move us more deeply into understanding and partnership, willing to work together in mutual respect, always open to the grace that we have experienced in Christ Jesus, our light and our life. 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.
