“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 justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…
For a ceasefire in Gaza, for hostages to be freed, and for strength and persistence among all who are engaging in diplomacy…
For compassion, safety, and productive discourse amidst campus protests…
For rescue and relief efforts amidst flooding in Kenya…
For casualties of a highway collapse in southern China and for continued recovery efforts…
For evacuees and all who are continue to be affected by the eruption of Mount Ruang in Indonesia…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…
For the community of Charlotte, North Carolina after the killing of 3 law enforcement officers and the shooting of 5 others…
For fair labor practices and economic justice for all workers…
For an end to interreligious hatred and strife, and for deepened interfaith friendships…
For scientists, activists, and policymakers as they study, build momentum, and craft regulation to slow climate change…
For farmers as they respond to bird flu, and for all sick animals…
Events and observances:
May Observances: Mental Health Awareness Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May)
Philip and James, Apostles, May 1
Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, May 2
Good/Holy Friday (Orthodox Christianity), May 3
Monica, mother of Augustine, May 4
Missing Murdered and Indigenous Women Awareness Day, May 5 – additional resources here
Easter Sunday/Pascha (Orthodox Christianity), May 5
Yom HaShoah (Judaism), May 5–6
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the mission of the church (ELW, p.75)
Draw your church together, O God, into one great company of disciples, together following our teacher Jesus Christ into every walk of life, together serving in Christ’s mission to the world, and together witnessing to your love wherever you will send us; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
A prayer for interreligious cooperation and understanding (ACS p.51)
God of creation, we give you thanks for our wonderfully diverse human family. We pray for the well-being of all people, including our neighbors of other religions and worldviews. Grant that, together with them, we will find ways to cooperate for the common good of all, as you desire. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
A prayer for living with mental illness (ACS p.52)
Mighty God, in Jesus Christ you know the spirits that cloud our minds and set us against ourselves. Comfort those who are torn by conflict, cast down, or lost in worlds of illusion. By your power, drive from us the powers that shake confidence and shatter love. Tame unruly forces within us, and bring us to your truth, so that we may know peace and accept ourselves as your beloved children in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Resources regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and the May 5 Awareness Day are available on ELCA.org.
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.
