“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 areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and political conflict: Ukraine, Syria, South Sudan, Colombia…
For ceasefire in Gaza and for release of prisoners and hostages…
For the United States in this time of political tension and transition…
For victims of a ski resort fire in Turkey…
For those celebrating marriage equality in Thailand…
For blizzard warnings along the Gulf Coast of the United States…
For recovery and rebuilding efforts following wildfires in California…
For immigrants, refugees, and all migrants…
For all who face prejudice, hatred, and violence due to race, ethnicity, religion, class, or gender identity and sexual orientation…
Events and observances:
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan 18-25)
Agnes, martyr, died around 304 (Jan 21)
Conversion of Paul (Jan 24)
Timothy, Titus, and Silas, missionaries (Jan 26)
Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe, witnesses to the faith (Jan 27)
International Holocaust Remembrance Day (Jan 27)
Thomas Aquinas, teacher, died 1274 (Jan 28)
Lunar New Year (Jan 29)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for faithful living in society (ACS)
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.
A prayer against prejudice, racism (ACS)
O God, you form all humanity to bear your divine image, and you intend for everyone to live together in harmonious dignity. We pray for all people, whether ourselves or others, who suffer the cruelties of racial or ethnic prejudice. Grant your Spirit of power to all who are oppressed. Give healing to victims of violence, protection to the vulnerable and abused, better housing and worthy employment to the mistreated, courage to the fearful, a remedy for rage, strength to parents and caregivers, and hope to children and youth. Purge the privileged of their sense of superiority, and lead church and society to foster communities of equity and diversity; through Jesus Christ, our loving Savior. 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.