“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 among nations and for military de-escalation…
For safe return of hostages and for attentiveness to humanitarian needs in Palestine and Israel…
For residents of Iceland and New Guinea, as volcanic activity increases…
For continued rescue operations following a tunnel collapse in northern India…
For all victims of gun violence and for their loved ones, especially in Beavercreek, OH; Custer County, CO;
For cleanup efforts following the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico…
For families and friends who gather this week, especially those whose relationships are strained…
In thanksgiving for all of God’s gifts…
Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in November: American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
Thanksgiving Day (Nov 23)
Clement, Bishop of Rome, died around 100 (Nov 23)
Miguel Agustín Pro, martyr, died 1927 (Nov 23)
Justus Falckner, died 1723; Jehu Jones, died 1852; William Passavant, died 1894; pastors in North America (Nov 24)
Native American Heritage Day (Nov 24)
Isaac Watts, hymnwriter, died 1748 (Nov 25)
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (Nov 25)
Christ the King Sunday (Nov 26)
Andrew, Apostle (Nov 30)
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 the Day of Thanksgiving (ELW p. 61)
Almighty God our Father, your generous goodness comes to us new every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
A prayer for agriculture (ELW p. 81)
Abundant God, we give you thanks for the fruitful earth, which produces what is needed for life. Bless those who work in the fields; grant favorable weather to all engaged in agriculture; and help us to ensure that all people share the fruits of the earth, rejoicing in your greatness; through your Son, Jesus Chris, our 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.
