“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.
This week, those in the United States marked ten years since the murder of the Emanuel Nine at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina (June 17, 2015). Click here to access prayer resources to help commemorate this anniversary.
Prayer prompts:
For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…
For de-escalation of violence between Israel and Iran…
For those affected by volcanic eruptions in Indonesia…
For the close of the G7 summit and the forthcoming NATO summit…
For all in the path of Hurricane Erick in the eastern Pacific…
For those facing threats of extreme heat…
For all victims of gun violence, especially those who mourn following recent attacks on lawmakers and their families in Minnesota…
For immigrants, advocates, and legal professionals…
For safety, justice, and peace amidst protests and demonstrations…
For the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth…
For the safety of families and individuals who travel this summer…
For Young Adults in Global Mission making preparations this summer for their upcoming year of service…
Events and observances:
June Observances: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Gun Violence Awareness Month, PTSD Awareness Month
Emanuel Nine, martyrs, died 2015 (June 17)
Juneteenth (June 19)
Onesimos Nesib, translator, evangelist, died 1931 (June 21)
John the Baptist (June 24)
Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, 1530 (June 25)
Philipp Melanchthon, renewer of the church, died 1560 (June 25)
Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, died 444 (June 27)
Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, died around 202 (June 28)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
Prayer of the day for John the Baptist (ELW p.56)
Almighty God, by your gracious providence your servant John the Baptist was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. Grant to your people the wisdom to see your purpose and the openness to hear your will, that the light of Christ may increase in us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
A prayer against prejudice and racism (ACS p. 51)
O God, in your divine mystery you embrace difference in unity, and you call your people to live in peace with all. We pray for an end to racial and ethnic prejudice. Free us from the dread of difference. Free the church from constricting traditions. Free our society from centuries of violence against the other. Break down the walls that separate your people by color, culture, or religion. Call us to repentance for our sins of racism and prejudice, known and unknown.
The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
Worship resources and prayers in response to wildfires
Worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land
Worship resources for the Eastern Europe Crisis
Worship resources for and following national elections
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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.