These prompts are provided for worship leaders as they prepare the prayers of intercession for weekly worship. The prompts are prepared by several leaders in the ELCA and reflect current world and national events. You are encouraged to adapt and add other concerns for your local context, including staying informed of events and concerns in your synod.
Worship resources for the crisis in Eastern Europe:
Follow this link to access resources to assist worshiping communities as they respond to the crisis in Eastern Europe. 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.
Intercession prompts:
For the protection of people and all creatures in the path of wildfires in New Mexico, Arizona, and Nebraska…
For Ukrainian refugees, displaced internally and internationally, and for all refugees of armed conflict throughout the world…
With thanksgiving for the gifts of Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and throughout society…
For our Muslim neighbors celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of their Ramadan fast…
For synods, their leaders, and their bishops as synod assemblies begin to gather…
For all who were baptized or who affirmed their baptisms at Easter…
Other notable events and observances:
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May 1-31)
Eid al-Fitr (May 1-2)
Festival of Ridvan (April 21-May 2)
Commemoration of Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, died 373 (May 2)
Commemoration of Monica, mother of Augustine, died 387 (May 4)
Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Suggested prayers and hymns:
Hymns for gifts of water and renewal
As the Wind Song (ACS 943)
Come to the Water of Life (ACS 955)
Signs and Wonders (ELW 672)
A prayer for those affected by natural disasters, especially wildfires:
Holy God, in you alone we find safety and shelter. Be a sure refuge to all suffering from wildfires. Grant courage, protection, and favorable weather to firefighters and emergency responders; embrace with supportive communities all who are newly displaced or homeless; comfort those grieving all that has been destroyed and give patience to those who are anxious, not knowing when relief will come. Heal your whole creation, that out of flame and ashes new growth will spring forth. We pray through Jesus Christ, our life and our strength. Amen. (ACS p. 50)
A prayer for refugees, migrants, immigrants:
O God, as you guided the Israelites to a new land by pillars of cloud and fire, now travel alongside all people who seek safety from persecution and a better life. (Especially we pray for ______.) Provide them with what they need as they travel, and guide them to places of welcome and sanctuary. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. (ACS p. 51)
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.
Further assistance for composing prayers of intercession can be found here: Resources for Crafting Prayers of Intercession
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.
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.
