“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 victims of the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore, MD and for emergency personnel, government agencies, and all organizations offering services and support, including port chaplains Pastor Vitali Guzs and Pastor Bob Schmitt…
For the family and loved ones of the Moscow Concert Hall attack in Russia…
For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…
For aid and food to successfully enter Gaza, along with a permanent ceasefire…
For the thoughtful and compassionate discernment of our courts…
For resurrection hope this Holy Week as we move toward Easter…
For the eradication of racism and hate crimes; may we learn to celebrate one another…
For new immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the United States…
Events and observances:
March observances: Women’s History Month
Ramadan (Islam, continues through April 10)
Holy Week (Mar 24-30)
Hans Nielsen Hauge, renewer of the church, died 1824 (Mar 29)
Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day (Mar 31)
John Donne, poet, died 1631 (Mar 31)
Annunciation of Our Lord (Apr 1)
Benedict the African, confessor, died 1589 (Apr 4)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
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
A prayer remembering Christ’s Passion (ELW p. 29)
Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen.
A prayer in time of civic distress (ACS p. 49)
God, our help and comfort, accompany [the city of Baltimore] in this time of uncertainty and loss. As we grieve, assure us of your unfailing presence; as we seek direction in the days ahead, guide us by your wisdom. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 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.