“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 in our world…
For nations of the world experiencing violence and unrest, especially in Gaza/Israel, Ukraine, and Nagorno-Karabakh…
For victims of terrorism and for those who mourn them…
For Jewish, Christian, and Muslim siblings in the Middle East, especially all who live in fear and under oppression…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Baltimore and Laurel, MD; Fort Wayne, IN; Louisville, KY; Lansing, MI; and Castleton, VT…
For all in the path of Hurricane Lidia…
For continued recovery and relief efforts following the earthquake in Afghanistan…
For rescue efforts following flash flooding in the Indian Himalayas…
Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in October: Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15), Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Clergy Appreciation Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, LGBTQ History Month
World Mental Health Day (Oct 10)
National Coming Out Day (Oct 11)
Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, martyr, died around 115 (Oct 17)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer in time of conflict, crisis, disaster (ACS p. 49)
Lord Jesus Christ, your own mother looked on when your life ended in violence. Our hearts are pierced with grief and anger at the violent deaths in Israel and Gaza. We commend the slain to your wounded hands, and their loved ones to your merciful heart, trusting only in the promise that your love is stronger than death, and that even now, you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
A prayer for the public church (ACS p. 47)
Mighty and merciful God, lover of justice and equity, you call us to support the weak, to help those who suffer, and to honor all people. By the power of your Holy Spirit, make us advocates for your justice and instruments of your peace, so that all may be reconciled in your beloved community; through Jesus Christ our Savior. 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.
