“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 and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX…
For those without secure housing and those criminalized for being homeless…
For flash flooding in Wisconsin, evacuations in Alaska, and all facing storms and flooding…
For nurses and healthcare workers, especially those serving on the frontlines of war and conflict…
For safety for journalists who bring stories and awareness to the tragedy of war…
For all marriages, relationships, and family groupings that reflect mutual love and trust…
Events and observances:
August Observances: International Peace Month, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month, National Black Business Month, National Immunization Awareness Month
Florence Nightingale, died 1910; Clara Maass, died 1901; renewers of society (August 13)
Maximilian Kolbe, died 1941; Kaj Munk, died 1944; martyrs (August 14)
Mary, Mother of our Lord (August 15)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for families (ELW)
Triune God, whose will it is that humans live in community, bless family life everywhere and fill all homes with respect, joy, laughter, and prayer. Strengthen the commitment of husbands and wives to one another, that they may mirror your covenant faithfulness; pour out your Spirit on parents, that through them their children may taste your unconditional love; and empower all family members to live in your grace and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A prayer for public servants (ACS)
Gracious God, we pray for our public servants [journalists, nurses, diplomats], 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.
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.