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.
Intercession prompts:
In gratitude for and solidarity with members of our community living with disabilities…
For communities harmed by earthquakes in the Philippines and threatened by wildfires in California…
For the life of Rev. Marlene Whiterabbit Helgemo, the first Native American woman ordained in the Lutheran church…
For European and world leaders in discernment and negotiations over energy resources…
For volunteer election judges across the country, as they train and give of their time to ensure the integrity of the election process in the U.S…
For farm workers suffering the effects of climate change and recent extreme weather…
Praying for the Churchwide Assembly
As the ELCA prepares for Churchwide Assembly in August, prayer petitions are available that may be incorporated into worship six weeks prior and one week following the assembly. Find the full list of petitions here.
Petition for July 31:
By your word, eternal God, your creation sprang forth, and we were given the breath of life. By your word, eternal God, death is overcome, Christ is raised from the tomb, and we are given new life in the power of your Spirit. May we boldly proclaim this good news in our words and our deeds, rejoicing always in your powerful presence. Direct the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by your Word, as this church prepares to gather in assembly.
Other notable events and observances:
Disability Pride Month – July
Commemoration of Johann Sebastian Bach, Heinrich Schütz, and George Frederick Handel, musicians – July 28
Commemoration of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany – July 29
Commemoration of Olaf, King of Norway, martyr – July 29
Suggested hymns & prayers:
A hymn of God’s bounty
God of the Fertile Fields (ACS 1063)
A prayer for disability (ACS p. 52)
Creator God, you made us all in your image. Help us to embrace one another as you do, beloved and blessed; not in need of fixing, but in need of authentic welcome. Bring healing where it is desired, affirmation where it is lacking, and awareness to all. Open our hearts to receive the gifts and needs of all people, and to become communities where everyone can find a place. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. (ACS p.52)
A prayer for the elders of the community (ELW p. 83)
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker of heaven and earth. From everlasting you are our God, our dwelling place in all generations. You are the source of holy wisdom, and the fountain of all truth. We give thanks to you for the elders among us. We are graced by their wisdom and seasoning. We are touched by their knowledge and faith. Bless them, O God, as they are a blessing to us. Pour out your spirit, that our elders may continue to dream dreams and testify to the Light of their salvation, Jesus Christ. May we find inspiration in their years of faithfulness. May we follow their example by serving you with steadfastness and singleness of heart; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
A prayer for faithful living in society (ACS p. 50)
Gracious God, we pray for our public servants, [______], that they do their work in a spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice. Inspire them to use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote our common life. Guide our leaders to govern in such a way that all people enjoy a peaceful and just society. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ELW = Evangelical Lutheran Worship
ACS = All Creation Sings: Evangelical Lutheran Worship Supplement
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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.
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.
All Creation Sings includes several resources for lament including “Lamenting Gun Violence” (Leaders Edition, p. 107) and “Service after a Violent Event” (Pew Edition p. 64-66, Leaders p. 110-113) as well as several collect prayers. This content is also available on SundaysandSeasons.com in the Library.
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.
