“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 an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela…
For protection, compassion, and dignity for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For strained diplomatic relations between nations in the United States, Canada, and Cuba…
For those grieving the death of Hallie Tobler, daughter of Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson…
For all victims of domestic violence and abuse, and all victims of sexual abuse and exploitation…
For those affected by severe cold weather, especially those without access to adequate heat and other resources…
For the continued safety of athletes, reporters, and others participating in the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy…
For the conclusion of the Buddhist monks’ Walk for Peace, ending in Washington DC this Tuesday…
For affirmation, dignity, and celebration of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities…
For pastors, deacons, church administrators, and musicians preparing for Lent…

Events and observances:
February Observances: Black History Month, American Heart Month, National Cancer Prevention Month

Cyril, monk, died 869; Methodius, bishop, died 885; missionaries to the Slavs (Feb 14)
Valentine’s Day (Feb 14)
Presidents’ Day (Feb 16)
Ash Wednesday (Feb 18)
Martin Luther, renewer of the church, died 1546 (Feb 18)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for peace among the nations (ELW p.76)
Gracious God, grant peace among nations. Cleanse from our own hearts the seeds of strife: greed and envy, harsh misunderstandings and ill will, fear and desire for revenge. Make us quick to welcome ventures in cooperation among the peoples of the world, so that there may be woven the fabric of a common good too strong to be torn by the evil hands of war. In the time of opportunity, make us be diligent; and in the time of peril, let not our courage fail; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A prayer for refugees, migrants, and immigrants (ACS p.51)
Holy God, as you have accompanied your people through times of captivity, wilderness, and exile, shelter and sustain all those who flee persecution, oppression, warfare, violence, hunger, and poverty. Open our hearts and homes, our gates and doors, so that they find safety, peace, and welcome—a place to live in freedom and without fear; through Jesus Christ, our refuge and our hope. Amen.

—

The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
Worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land
Worship resources for the Eastern Europe Crisis

—

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.

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers in a monthly blog post.

The Hymn Society

The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada encourages, promotes, and enlivens congregational singing by building supportive relationships and enabling networking and ecumenical cooperation which providing experience in performance practices to help in the introduction and leading of the congregation’s song.

Hymn Society Annual Conference
Rebirth: Singing Death, Singing Life
Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, N. J.
July 19-22

For eighteen years, we have seen Lutherans lead ecumenical worship with theological depth and musical excellence. This tradition continues at The Hymn Society’s 2026 Annual Conference in Princeton, NJ, from July 19–22.

The event features a strong Lutheran roster, including Marcell Silva Steuernagel, Gracia M. Grindal, Maren Haynes Marchesini, Lola Bobrow and Adan Fernandez. From veteran scholars to rising students, our voices are shepherding this year’s song.

Join your colleagues for a week of professional growth and spiritual renewal. Let’s show up and sing together. Watch this video announcement and visit The Hymn Society website to register. Information about registration fees, accommodations, meal plans and other important details are available on the website.

Early registration through March 15
Advance registration through June 1
Regular registration starting June 2

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

Youth musicians from across the country are headed to St. Olaf College this year for the 2026 Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM). Students in grades 8-12 will be immersed in a supportive community that nurtures their musical growth, and invites them to share their musical gifts in performance and in worship. The Standard Enrollment deadline is March 1, and spots are filling fast. Do you know young musicians who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today at LSMacademy.org/nominate, or remind them to submit a free application by March 1 at LSMacademy.org/apply.

Institute of Liturgy Studies

An ecumenical conference on liturgical renewal for the church today.

The Feast of Creation – liturgy as creation groans
Valparaiso University, Ind.
April 13-15, 2026

Registration is now is open.
Regular Registration: $450
See website for other registration categories.

The 77th meeting of the Institute of Liturgical Studies will consider the possibilities of such a festival and season. We will reflect on creation, incarnation, and Jesus’s death and resurrection, all received by us through the created materiality of our sacramental life together. Furthermore, we will examine how petroleum culture has influenced our sacramental life and begin to envision ways to counter its impact. A model lectionary will be used, and sample liturgies will be celebrated.

The schedule, plenary speakers and workshop information are now available.

To receive notifications when new information is added to the site, add yourself to the mailing list here.

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.

ALCM  2026 Conference “Now and Forever”
St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.
Celebrating the 1986 ALCM Constituting Convention
Overlapping with Lutheran Summer Music’s Festival Week!

The emphasis of this conference is on practical skill-building. Check out the nearly complete list of presenters and workshops on the conference website. Reasonably-priced, air-conditioned dormitory housing is still available and can be booked at time of conference registration or at a later date. Register now and make plans to envision the future of Lutheran Church music. And Featuring Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, Bach Collegium Valparaiso, Christopher M. Cock, artistic director. (Made possible through generous support provided by Pauline and John Kiltinen.

Registration is open.
Early Bird registration deadline is March 17!

Music that Makes Community

Rooted in Christian contemplative and activist traditions, Music That Makes Community envisions a liberative culture that empowers individuals and communities to claim and use the power of singing to heal our spirits, nurture our common lives, and work for justice.

To see more scheduled events, go to the MMC website and view the calendar and “Workshops and Retreat” links.

Sign up for Monthly Newsletter for regular updates on resources and events.  Read recent issues here.

Center for Church Music
offers 2026 Awards for College and Seminary Students. . .

THE 2026 WILLIAM WOLFRAM STUDENT AWARD IN LITURGICAL ART
Recognizes student artists who evidence:
* Commitment to Christian faith and practice
* Excellence in artistic expression
* Commitment to creating pieces purposed for use within worship settings
$1,000.00 prize

Deadline: May 1st, 2026  Submit a single PDF with quality images of your work, one full image and one or two detail images along with title, media, dimensions, year created, and anything else you want the judges to know.  Send to  Barry.Bobb@CUChicago.edu   (Recent grads—since May 2024—may also apply.)

THE 2026 RICHARD HILLERT AWARD IN STUDENT COMPOSITION
Submitted piece must be a church music composition (3-5 minutes in length) – suitable for a liturgical service.
$1,000.00 prize

Deadline: June 1st, 2026   Submit two copies (one with your name and one unattributed). Recordings are encouraged but not required. Send to Barry.Bobb@CUChicago.edu   (Recent grads—since May 2024—may also apply.)

“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 an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela…
For victims of violence and abuse and for those who tend to their physical, emotional, and psychological wounds…
For protection, compassion, and dignity for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For those who were killed and injured in a bus accident during the pilgrimage of Our Lady of Candeias in northeastern Brazil…
For the safety of athletes, reporters, and others who travel to and participate in the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy…
For pastors, deacons, church administrators, and musicians preparing for Lent…
For congregations and their leaders in the midst of annual meeting season…

Events and observances:
February Observances: Black History Month, American Heart Month, National Cancer Prevention Month

The Martyrs of Japan, died 1597 (Feb 5)
Cyril, monk, died 869; Methodius, bishop, died 885; missionaries to the Slavs (Feb 14)
Valentine’s Day (Feb 14)
Ash Wednesday (Feb 18)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for congregational ministries (ELW p.76)
Almighty God, your Holy Spirit equips the church with a rich variety of gifts. Grant that we may use them to bear witness to Christ in lives that are built on faith and love. Make us ready to live the gospel and eager to do your will, so that we may share with all your church in the joys of eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A prayer for those who suffer abuse and violence (ACS p.53)
Mighty Jesus, living Word, soothe the bodies, souls, and minds of the victims of sexual abuse, sexual violence, domestic violence, or gender-based violence. Bring them peace, hope, comfort, and strength. Bring abusers to justice and prevent them from causing further harm. Stir up the heart of your church gathered here and around the world, that we value justice and healing over silence and shame. Show us the way to your righteousness, led by the voices of those who suffer. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

—

The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
Worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land
Worship resources for the Eastern Europe Crisis

—

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.

Prepare

As Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount, he shifts his focus from God’s character and wide blessing to the character of disciples. He proclaims they “are the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” and encourages them to act accordingly (Matthew 5:13-14, NRSVue).

Verse 16 is commonly used in Lutheran baptismal liturgies as a way of proclaiming that this same identity and calling, first given to Jesus’s earliest followers, now belongs to those who are newly baptized and to us as his followers today.

But Jesus also reminds his disciples (ancient and modern) that what he is preaching is nothing new. He did not “come to abolish the Law or the Prophets” (Matthew 5:17, NRSVue). He points us to the commandments, and not just the Ten! There are actually 613 commandments in the Torah. Jesus famously mentions the two most important in Matthew 22:35-40.

These two might be considered one because one can’t fully love God without loving your neighbor and vice versa. Martin Luther might agree, as he starts each of his commandment explanations in the Small Catechism with the same phrase: “We are to fear and love God, so that…” But regardless of how these are numbered, we are called to follow the guidance of the past.

Which brings us to today’s assigned reading from Isaiah. Chapter 58 is part of what scholars call Third Isaiah, which means its original historical context is the return from exile in Babylon. The people’s ancestors were sent into exile after they strayed from God and God’s ways, failing to live in accordance with God’s commandments. They did not heed the warnings of God’s prophets. So God “hit the reset button” by allowing Babylon to conquer them. Upon their return, they had to rebuild and make decisions about how to order their society, and here the prophet shares words of wisdom from God.

Opening Exercise

1. Icebreaker Question Options:

• Which of the five basic tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami) do you think is your favorite? And what is your favorite food that highlights that taste?
• Tell about a time when you fasted (it doesn’t have to be from food or for religious reasons).

Text Read Aloud

Isaiah 58:1-12
Matthew 5:13-20

Salt, Light, and the Life of Discipleship

This week’s assigned Gospel reading is a continuation of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, which began last week with the Beatitudes. In that opening passage, we heard about how wide, and at times seemingly illogical, God’s blessing truly is.

Now Jesus’s teaching shifts to focus more on the life of discipleship, that is, who we are called to be in light of who God is. Jesus tells his followers that they are salt and light. But he also warns them that one can be those things and not fulfill their intended purpose. You can be salt, but not preserve and flavor food, maintain healthy bodies, or melt ice.

Chemically speaking, any neutral compound made up of an anion and a cation held together by an ionic bond is a salt. But for simplicity, going forward, when I say salt, I’m going to be referring to table salt (sodium chloride NaCl). As the proud owner of a BS in Chemistry, I hope you will believe me when I tell you: salt CANNOT lose it saltiness.

When you grind salt, you break down its crystalline structure, but you don’t break the ionic bond. Crushing salt does not cause it to lose its saltiness. When you dissolve salt in water, you do break the ionic bond and are left with Na+ and Cl- ions floating around in solution. But when the water is removed—evaporated away—the ions simply recombine back into salt. Water does not cause salt to lose its saltiness.

What you can do is render salt not useful by mixing it with impurities. If you mix salt with the wrong things—for example dirt—then you aren’t going to want to use it to flavor your food or balance your electrolytes. However, it is still salt.

Same thing with a light. You can be light, but not usefully illuminate anything. A light doesn’t stop being bright just because you block the photons from getting to your eyes. Yet, what is the point? It is simply a waste of electricity or fire fuel.

Thankfully, Isaiah gives us some guidance on what exactly Jesus means when he tells his followers to be salt and light. God is not as interested in personal piety and ritual as God is interested in mercy and justice. God yearns for us “to loose the bonds of injustice […] let the oppressed go free […] share [our] bread with the hungry […] bring the homeless poor into [our] house,” etc (Isaiah 58:6-7, NRSVue).

That is how God wants us to shine our light. God’s word, including the commandments, are not meant to be a grading rubric for us to use against others to see if they measure up and are worthy of God’s love. All humans are beloved children of God, made in God’s image. We are all salt and light, and we are called to act accordingly. And when (not if, but when) we fall short, we can trust that God will still love us and welcome us into the kingdom, for the “least in the kingdom of heaven” are still in the kingdom (Matthew 5:19, NRSVue)!

Reflection Questions

• What work does Jesus call his disciples to be about?
• What does it mean to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”?
• What things get in the way of you being salt and light? What might we need to fast from?
• Which commandment is the hardest to keep? Which commandment is the most commonly broken?

Closing Activity

• Make a two-column chart. At the top of one column write “Fast” and at the top of the other column write “Feast.” Work as a group to fill in the two columns with specific examples of what God calls us to fast from (aka give up, avoid, divest from, spend less time/money/energy on) and what God calls us to feast on (aka prioritize, invest in, spend more time/money/energy on). If you need help getting started, look up William Arthur Ward’s poem “Fasting and Feasting.”

Final Blessing

• Give each participant a candle to hold or light one candle in the midst of the group (be careful around open flames). Then go around the group and say to each participant: “(Name), you are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world.”
• You could have the whole group say it to each person, the leader proclaim to each, or pass the message from one person to the next, sort of like a game of telephone.
• End by announcing “(Local slang for the plural you ex: y’all or youse) are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” And the group responding “We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

Bio of Author

Leslie Weber is a pastor, spouse, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and ally. She serves at Grace Lutheran Church (Chesapeake, VA) and Holy Communion Lutheran Church (Portsmouth, VA). Her favorite salty snack is soft pretzels served with warm cheese dip and her favorite sweet treat is a chocolate-covered caramel with plenty of sea salt on top.

Augsburg Fortress is the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers that support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from other partners in a monthly blog post.

See Me, Believe Me: An Updated Guide to Deepen Allyship with Congregational Leaders of Color

In this updated edition of See Me, Believe Me, Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers offers an honest and unflinching look at the challenges faced by leaders of color in the predominantly white ELCA. The book contains a new chapter reflecting on the ground-breaking election and leadership of ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and includes excerpts from her interview with him.  Her insights and concrete suggestions for action illustrate how seeing and believing leaders of color are essential steps in the journey of allyship. Chapters beckon readers to acknowledge ignorance, respect boundaries, join in celebration and lament, offer reparations, and continue doing their own work to dismantle racism and live into the fullness of loving God and neighbor.

Lutheran Study Bible, Second Edition (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Lutheran Study Bible, Second Edition, features the NRSVue translation and introductions, notes, and articles written by more than seventy Lutheran pastors and teaching theologians. Explore the Bible and its message through solid background material, unique Lutheran insights, and questions for reflection and discussion. Reader-friendly, inviting, and engaging, this is the perfect study Bible for those who want to encounter scripture and dwell in God’s word!

Kids Celebrate Lent and Easter, Young Reader

For grades 1 – 3. Engage your young church-goers in the passion story with activities and explanations for young readers. A perfect size for pews, activity bags, or home use. Quantity per package: 12.

Augsburg Organ Library Series 2 Lent

Augsburg Organ Library: Lent, Series II, contains 43 pieces for worship or recitals based on Lent hymn tunes.  The Augsburg Organ Library is a highly acclaimed multi-volume series that reflects the twentieth century renewal of the organ and its music.

From now until the final whistle, Team Northwest Washington and Team New England will seek to outdo one another for the sake of the gospel. The fans that donate the most through their team page to ELCA World Hunger by midnight Central time on Feb. 8 will help their synod take home the title of ELCA World Hunger Champion — regardless of the outcome on the field. Whether your favorite formation is 3-4, 4-3, or 3:16, you can send your nickels and dimes to support your team!

Click here to support Team Northwest Washington!

Click here to support Team New England!

“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 an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela…
For an end to violence and especially political violence…
For protection, compassion, and dignity for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For those evacuated and displaced by landslides in Sicily…
For those targeted by violence at the Chabad Lubavitch world headquarters in New York City…
For all facing winter weather and storms, especially those still without power…
For newly-confirmed Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally…
In memory and commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster…

Events and observances:
January Observances: National Blood Donor Month, National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Poverty in America Awareness Month, Mental Awareness Month
February Observances: Black History Month, Boy Scout Anniversary Week (Feb 1-7), American Heart Month

Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe, witnesses to the faith (Jan 27)
Thomas Aquinas, teacher, died 1274 (Jan 28)
Presentation of Our Lord (Feb 2)
Ansgar, Bishop of Hamburg, missionary to Denmark and Sweden, died 865 (Feb 3)
The Martyrs of Japan, died 1597 (Feb 5)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for interreligious cooperation (ACS)
God of creation, we give you thanks for our wonderfully diverse human family. We pray for the well-being of all people, including our neighbors of other religions and worldviews. Grant that, together with them, we will find ways to cooperate for the common good of all, as you desire. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

A prayer for those in civil authority (ELW)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, bless public servants in the government of our nation and states, that they may do their work in a spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice. Help them use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote our common life; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

—

The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
Worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land
Worship resources for the Eastern Europe Crisis

—

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.

Prepare

This week, the Revised Common Lectionary gives us four meaty texts. They relate to one another, but it is also important to think about them individually.

Micah 6:8 might be the best-known verse of the whole book, but it is important to read it within its literary context. Chapter 6 reads like a court transcript. God has dragged the people of Israel (ancient, not the modern-day state) to court. Creation acts as judge and jury. God starts to list all the ways that God has saved and delivered. The people then ask “How shall we say thank you? With sacrifices? Huge sacrifices? Over the top sacrifices?” And a voice responds, God has told you: “to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NRSVue).

Psalm 15 echoes the high standards of living that God yearns to see from God’s people in Micah 6. Notice the focus on how people interact with others—their friends, their neighbors, the innocent.

The assigned passage from First Corinthians this week starts with the same verse that last week’s passage ended with. The cross is foolish; it does not make sense when selfish power-hungry human logic is applied. Through Christ, God provides to God’s people wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

Like the other texts assigned for today, Matthew 5:1-12 shows us God’s character—one who saves, delivers, and defies human logic. The Beatitudes (as they are usually called) are not meant to encourage Christ’s followers to seek out/cause suffering for ourselves in order to get closer to God, but to see where and with whom God promises to be and invite us to come alongside them as well.

Opening Exercise

• Option 1: When you think of someone being “blessed”, who comes to mind? What do they look like? Who do you not think of as being blessed?
• Option 2: Look through the Salt & Gold Collection’s Foot Washing Series inspired by recent events in Minnesota:
  • What are your reactions?
  • Which image surprised you the most?
  • Which image will stick with you this week?
  • What images are missing?
  • You can find earlier iterations of the Foot Washing Series here.

Text Read Aloud

Micah 6:1-8
Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed by Presence, Not Circumstance

If you search #blessed on social media, you will most likely see a seemingly never-ending stream of personal achievements (especially of the athletic variety), the acquisition of material possessions, and the enjoyment of exotic vacation spots.

artwork by Salt & Gold Collection

It seems like today’s popular definition of “blessed” is almost the exact opposite of what Jesus had in mind at the Mount of the Beatitudes. A state of blessedness is not something that is earned or even something to be aspired to. It is a statement of promise—God promises to be with all God’s people no matter how bad things get.

Our God is about turning the world upside down—which is why Jesus speaks what seems like foolishness when he calls those in so many terrible situations “blessed.” The poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted are not blessed BY their situations. Rather, they are called blessed because God remains with them amid their less-than-ideal situations, promising that things will ultimately be different. This presence and solidarity with those whom society would otherwise cast off is the heart of the good news—no one is out of God’s purview. All are invited into the abundant life of God’s kin-dom.

Too often, though, we lose sight of God’s plan for creation and make up our own. We lose sight of the communal for the individual, turning inward and gazing at our navels. It is this manifestation of sin that leads to the list of Solemn Reproaches that we confess as a community on Good Friday in the style of Micah 6.

Yet, as we confess our complacency with injustice and the ways we work against God’s plan and God’s people, let us also hear the good news that God continues God’s saving action despite us. We do not have to do anything or be good enough to receive “righteousness and redemption and sanctification” from our Lord. Instead, when we are given God’s free gift of grace, we are transformed to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” When our egos and selfishness are kept in check, we get to experience God’s kin-dom and true plan for creation—where there is more than enough to go around and abundant life for all.

Reflection Questions

• According to Micah 6:1-8 and Matthew 5:1-12, what do the actions of God tell us about the character of God?
• According to Micah 6:1-8 and Psalm 15, how does God want God’s people to live?
• Why do you think that Jesus mentioned the groups/kinds of people that he did in the Beatitudes?
• If Jesus were preaching the Sermon on the Mount today, what groups/kinds of people would he name in the Beatitudes today?
• How have you or could you actively work to bless the groups/kinds of people that Jesus included in the biblical Beatitudes or that are on the modern-day list y’all came up with?

Closing Activity

• Work individually or in small groups to design a visual representation of Micah 6:8 or the Beatitudes—think t-shirt, temporary tattoo, mural, or banner for your worship space. Give each person/group a chance to share about their design as they desire.

Final Blessing—by Sr. Ruth Marlene Fox, OSB

May God bless you with a restless discomfort
about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships,
so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger
at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom,
and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer
from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish,
so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that
you really CAN make a difference in this world,
so that you are able, with God’s grace,
to do what others claim cannot be done.

And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator,
Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Saviour,
and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide, be with you
and remain with you, this day and forevermore. Amen.*

Bio of Author

Leslie Weber is a pastor, spouse, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and ally. She serves at Grace Lutheran Church (Chesapeake, VA) and Holy Communion Lutheran Church (Portsmouth, VA). She was born in California, but has lived most of her life on the East Coast, where she has lived in three of the four U.S. Commonwealths (MA, PA, and VA).

*“May God bless you with a restless discomfort…” A four-fold Benedictine blessing by Sr. Ruth Marlene Fox, OSB, 1985, as reprinted on WorldPrayers.org

“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 an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela…
For peace and resolution in Minneapolis, and for safety for all residents…
For safety, dignity, and justice for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For deescalation of tensions surrounding Greenland and international relations…
For victims of train crashes in Spain…
For those facing winter storms and extreme cold across the United States…
For newly-installed Bishop Imam Haddad and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land…
For Christian communities in Palestine and especially for schools…
For renewed unity in Christ among churches and denominations around the world…

Events and observances:
January Observances: National Blood Donor Month, National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Poverty in America Awareness Month, Mental Awareness Month

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan 18-25)
Henry, Bishop of Uppsala, martyr, died 1156 (Jan 19)
Martin Luther King Jr., Day (Jan 19)
Agnes, martyr, died around 304 (Jan 21)
Conversion of Paul (Jan 26, transferred)
Timothy, Titus, and Silas, missionaries (Jan 26)
Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe, witnesses to the faith (Jan 27)
Thomas Aquinas, teacher, died 1274 (Jan 28)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for peace among the nations (ELW)
Gracious God, grant peace among nations. Cleanse from our own hearts the seeds of strife: greed and envy, harsh misunderstandings and ill will, fear and desire for revenge. Make us quick to welcome ventures in cooperation among the peoples of the world, so that there may be woven the fabric of a common good too strong to be torn by the evil hands of war. In the time of opportunity, make us be diligent; and in the time of peril, let not our courage fail; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A prayer for those who are incarcerated (ACS)
Mighty God, merciful and just: we pray for our jails, prisons, and detention centers, that they be places of fair and humane treatment for all. Lead us to end solitary confinement and other cruel and demeaning practices. Guide police and corrections officers, attorneys and judges to use wisely the power entrusted to them. Inspire prison worshiping communities and chaplains. Rouse us to eradicate racism, corruption, and greed in the criminal justice system. By your Spirit, transform our society, that the dignity and worth of every incarcerated person be honored. We ask this through your resurrected Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 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 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.

Prepare

In today’s gospel lesson we find Jesus “withdrawing” to Galilee. This happens right after Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Jesus often withdraws in order to pray or be alone. This time, we can assume that this is not only a departure toward a new place, but also leaving a situation with Herod that may have been dangerous for him. By Matthew’s account, today’s reading is the introduction to Jesus’ ministry. Pay attention to his movement. What is Jesus up to, and how can we think about this in terms of our own ministry?

When we read scripture (or anything, really), we often imagine ourselves as the main character. There’s a temptation to read and identify as the “good” individuals, consuming good news as if it is the story of our own victory. In some ways, this may be true and helpful in times of deep sorrow. This week, attempt to read the lessons and listen for a story of someone else’s. Think of those in your community who are struggling. Maybe it’s unhoused neighbors you drive by, immigrants who no longer feel safe to go to work or school, or anyone who might be feeling hopeless. Imagine how the scripture this week might read to them.

A note for the closing activity: you’ll need a ball or skein of yarn.

Opening Exercise

Think about a favorite saying, phrase, or quote and share it with the group. Is there a story behind why this stands out to you? How does it make you feel when you hear it? How have these words shaped you or impacted you, and why? Why do you think we are so deeply impacted by song lyrics, poetry, words, or sayings?

Texts to Read Aloud

Isaiah 9:1–4

Matthew 4:12–23

Repentance as Fulfillment

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is quite active. Jesus hears, travels, fulfills a prophecy, preaches, walks, calls people into ministry, teaches, and heals. For the author of Matthew, it is important to begin the story of Jesus’ ministry with a declaration of who this ministry is for. Maybe the traveling and Jesus’ call for repentance feel like a few dots on the plot line moving the story forward, but really they are a recalibration for the reader to understand what Matthew is setting them up for.

Professor Eugene Park describes this in his commentary in a helpful way. He explains that, “[w]hen this vision of the ‘Rule/Kingdom of God’ was not realized, and when the earthly rulers, be they Israelite kings or rulers of foreign empires colonizing Israel, abused their power and committed various forms of injustice against the people of God, prophets arose and proclaimed the forgotten vision of ‘What would it be like if God directly ruled?’ In this context, the kingdom of God has an inherently anti-imperial and anti-establishment ethos. It reflects an intense yearning for a sociopolitical order based on the will of God for justice and fairness.”*

In other words, Jesus was not a new king coming to overthrow and then keep business as usual. He was not interested in the status quo of power. Rather, Jesus brought hope and the promise of justice to those who were deep in the despair of injustice. This promise was not just for a specific people, but for everyone.

In the calling of the disciples, we witness a ministry that even Jesus could not carry on alone. We are reminded that on this faith journey, we need others—especially those who experience things differently than we ourselves do. We need their hurts, their celebrations, and their gifts. As Jesus began gathering his fellow leaders, who would continue bringing the “Rule of God,” he did not gather the community’s powerful, but rather their common folk and the often overlooked.

In previous weeks, we read about John the Baptist, who paved the way for Jesus’ ministry, and his call for repentance. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”—Jesus not only takes on John’s message, but also makes the shift into ministry. The light that John spoke about is now alight in the land and on the move.

Repent may feel icky or seem strange, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider how it is used in this lesson. It is a call of invitation. Come and follow. Come and join this community. Come and heal. Come and tell the good news. The disciples leave their families and sources of connection to go and start a new community, one that will change the world as they, and we, know it.

Reflection

• How does today’s reading change your perception of the word repent? Share why or why not.

• Who is someone, or a group of people, you think might find hope in the Isaiah and gospel lessons?

• Who might be intimidated by it?

• If you were to keep this story close to you this week, how might it change your actions?

• What is something about today’s reading that challenges you?

• What is something about today’s reading that brings you hope?
  

Closing Prayer & Activity

For our closing prayer, we’re going to “net” our prayers together. The person who opens will hold the end of the yarn and then toss the ball to the next person. When you receive the ball, you’ll hold the “end” before tossing it to the next person as we “weave,” or make, a net with our prayers.

Three rounds of sharing as prayer:

1. Something you’re thankful for

2. A prayer concern

3. Something you want to be a part of this week

At the end of the prayer, take a look around. We bring all kinds of things with us when we come into places of worship. Some of us bring doubts, and others bring joy. Some of us have had the best week, and others aren’t sure where we will find the energy for another one. When we share the load, and when we allow our joys, sorrows, and hopes to be woven together, we create a web of love that is stronger together. As we go into our week, may we be reminded that we are not alone.

Biography

Ashley Hamel serves as the Director of Discipleship at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and runs the Young Professional group, The Epworth League, in Houston, Texas. She loves curating spaces of belonging where people can experience their belovedness. When not working, you can find her taking her dogs on walks around the bayou, scoping out antique shops, and taking photos of the beauty in the world around her.

*https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/third-sunday-after-epiphany/commentary-on-matthew-412-23-7