“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 justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For communities across the Midwest region of the United States impacted by severe storms and flooding…
For all who lack adequate shelter from extreme temperatures…
For families of workers killed in lithium battery plant fire in South Korea…
For the development of sustainable technology that protects both people and planet…
For the public health crisis of gun violence and for all its victims, especially in North Las Vegas, NV; Fordyce, AR; and Manatee County, FL…
For the families of those killed in the Dagestan region of Russia and for an end to religious intolerance and violence…
For public and political discourse that respects the dignity and humanity of all…
For the gift of freedom in Christ that binds us to the needs and dignity of our neighbors…
Events and observances:
June Observances: LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Gun Violence Awareness Month
July Observances: Disability Pride Month
Philip Melanchthon, Reformer, June 25
Jeremiah, Prophet, June 26
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, June 26
Cyril of Alexandria, Archbishop, June 27
National PTSD Awareness Day, June 27
Irenaeus, Bishop, June 28
Peter and Paul, Apostles, June 29
Thomas the Apostle, July 3
Independence Day (USA), July 4
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for a national holiday (ELW p.63)
Lord of all the worlds, guide this nation by your Spirit to go forward in justice and freedom. Give to all our people the blessings of well-being and harmony, but above all things give us faith in you, that our nation may bring glory to your name and blessings to all peoples, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
A prayer for the human family (ELW p.79)
O God of all, with wonderful diversity of languages and cultures you created all people in your image. Free us from prejudice and fear, that we may see your face in all the faces of people around the world; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
A prayer for those affected by flooding (ACS)
Save us, O God, for the waters are rising, and there is no firm place to stand. Life as we know it has been swept away. Draw near to us in this time of need and be our protection. Support us as we rebuild what has been ruined. Do not let us drown in our sorrow, but raise us to new life in your promise of rebirth, already claimed for us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 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.
