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.
Responding to recent acts of violence
All Creation Sings includes several 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 including the one below. This content is also available on SundaysandSeasons.com in the Library. (All Creation Sings/Prayers, Thanksgivings, and Laments/Resources for Lament)
Lord Jesus Christ, your own mother looked on when your life ended in violence. Our hearts are pierced with grief and anger at the [death of / mass shooting in_________]. 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. (ACS, p.49)
Intercession prompts:
For students of all ages, as another academic year comes to a close…
For new high school and college graduates, as they navigate their next steps forward…
For citizens of this nation, as we re-visit the events of January 6…
For all who gather this weekend to mark Juneteenth…
For all victims of gun violence and race-based aggression, especially remembering the Emmanuel Nine…
For those affected by record heatwaves, rainfall, and extreme weather and for renewed commitment in working toward climate justice…
For all struggling to make ends meet amidst skyrocketing costs for daily necessities…
For fathers and all who offer compassionate, parental care…
For ELCA synod assemblies and for other denominations meeting in their respective conferences and assemblies…
Other notable events and observances:
Pride Month (month of June)
Commemoration of the Emmanuel Nine (June 17) – follow this link to worship materials and resources for the day
Fathers Day (June 19)
Commemoration of Onesimos Nesib (June 21)
Commemoration of John the Baptism (June 24)
Commemoration of the Augsburg Confession (June 25)
Commemoration of Philipp Melanchthon (June 25)
Suggested prayers:
A prayer for times of national distress (ELW p. 76)
God, our refuge and strength, you have bound us together in a common life. In all our conflicts, help us to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, to listen for your voice amid competing claims, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A prayer for those affected by natural disasters (ACS p. 49)
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.
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.
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.
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.
