“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 and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Mali, South Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, and Venezuela…
For all navigating by the ongoing Ebola outbreak in central Africa…
For the families of those killed in Qatar gas explosion…
For communities impacted by gun violence in Niger; the Philippines; Montreal, Canada…
For those around the world facing extreme heat, severe storms, and other harsh weather conditions…
For elections and political transitions, especially in Britain…
For all affected by an earthquake in northern California…
For survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking…
For access to affordable housing, healthcare, groceries, and other basic needs…
Events and observances:
June observances: Pride Month
July observances: Disability Pride Month, National BIPOC Mental Health Month
Barnabas, apostle (June 11)
Martyrdom of Emmanuel Nine (June 17)
Juneteenth (June 19)
World Refugee Day (June 20)
Fathers Day (June 21)
John the Baptist (June 24)
Peter and Paul, apostles (June 29)
Thomas, apostle (July 3)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the human family (ELW p.79)
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son. Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred that infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and, through our struggle and confusion, work to accomplish your purposes on earth; so that, in your good time, every people and nation may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
A prayer for commerce and labor (ELW p.78)
Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ dignified our labor by sharing our toil. Guide us with your justice in the workplace, so that we may never value things above people, or surrender honor to love of gain or lust for power. Prosper all efforts to put an end to work that brings no joy, and teach us how to govern the ways of business to the harm of none and for the sake of the common good; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
Worship Resources for the US Semiquincentennial July 2026
Worship resources in a time of war
Worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land
Worship resources for the Eastern Europe Crisis
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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.
