“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.
A special note about prayer resources this week:
In this anniversary week of Oct. 7, 2023, we remember a day of heartbreaking grief for the people of Israel and Palestine, devastated by Hamas attacks on civilians and by the bombardment of Gaza. Mindful that the people of the Holy Land are still living in anguish and in war one year later, congregations may consider incorporating prayers and laments in worship on Sunday, October 6 or at other times near the anniversary, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings. Find additional prayer resources for this anniversary here.
Prayer prompts:
For peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…
For those in the path of Hurricane Milton, and for continued recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene…
For first responders and essential personnel…
For all working to educate, research, and mitigate the effects of climate change…
In thanksgiving for the work of scientists and researchers, especially new Nobel Prize winners…
For those grieving political violence in southern Mexico…
For victims of gun violence, domestic violence, abuse, and bullying…
For Jewish communities preparing for Yom Kippur, and for all acts of repentance and forgiveness…
For Hindu communities celebrating Durga Puja and Dussehra…
Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in October: Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15), ADHD Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, World Bullying Prevention Month
Durga Puja (Hinduism, Oct 9-13)
National Stop Bullying Day (Oct 9)
World Mental Health Day (Oct 10)
Yom Kippur (Judaism, evening of Oct 11-12)
Dussehra (Hinduism, Oct 12)
Day of Thanksgiving (Canada, Oct 13)
Teresa of Avila, teacher, renewer of the church, died 1582 (Oct 15)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer in time of conflict, crisis, or disaster (ACS p. 49):
Merciful God, hear our cry for mercy in the wake of destructive hurricanes and storms. Reveal your presence in the midst of our suffering. Help us to trust in your promises of hope and life, so that desperation and grief will not overtake us. Come quickly to our aid that we may know peace and joy again. Strengthen us in this time of trial with the assurance and hope we know in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
A prayer for faith and science (ACS p. 48):
God of mystery, you made the universe with its marvelous order and chaos, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures. We give you thanks for all who study the mysteries of creation and ask that their work may increase our curiosity, wonder, and joy, that we may come to know you more truly and serve you more humbly; in the name of Jesus Christ, your Wisdom and your Word. 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.
