“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 all victims and wounded in shooting events, especially in San Francisco, CA; Milwaukee, WI; and Columbus, OH…
For recovery efforts and healing following tornadoes and severe weather in Mississippi and Oklahoma…
For communities in the path of Tropical Storm Bret as it continues to develop…
For national governments and legislative bodies in their discernment and collaboration…
For fragile ecosystems threatened by global warming and for climate justice advocacy efforts…
For peace in our world, especially in Ukraine and Palestine…
For grieving families in Pakistan following the migrant boat disaster off the coast of Greece…
In thanksgiving for the community-strengthening gifts of LGBTQIA+ leaders who serve as teachers, artists, first responders, business owners, city council members, and church workers…
For long daylight hours in the northern hemisphere and for all flora and fauna who thrive in sunlight…
Events and observances:
Monthly observances in June: Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month; Pride Month; Gun Violence Awareness Month; African American Music Appreciation Month
Summer Solstice (June 21)
Commemoration of Onesimos Nesib, translator, evangelist (June 21)
Alban, died 304 (June 22)
Commemoration of John the Baptist (June 24)
Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, 1530 (June 25)
Philipp Melanchthon, renewer of the church, died 1560 (June 25)
Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, died 444 (June 27)
Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, died around 202 (June 28)
Commemoration of Peter and Paul, Apostles (June 29)
Catherine Winkworth, died 1878; John Mason Neale, died 1866; hymn translators (July 1)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer in praise of creation (ELW pg. 81)
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, who in your self-emptying love gathered up and reconciled all creation to the Father. Innumerable galaxies of the heavens worship you. Creatures that grace the earth rejoice in you. All those in the deepest seas bow to you in adoration. As with them we give you praise, grant that we may cherish the earth, our home, and live in harmony with this good creation, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
A prayer for faithful living in society (ACS pg. 50)
Sovereign God, your Son Jesus lived within the structures of society even as he spoke truth to those in power and challenged systems of oppression. Empower us to be courageous disciples and responsible citizens. Grant that our life in the public realm be grounded in love for our neighbors, care for the most vulnerable in our midst, and respect for the common life we share, following the example of Jesus Christ, our Savior and 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.
