“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, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Minneapolis, MN…
For government transitions in Nepal and Malawi…
For the plight of all migrants who seek safety, security, and opportunity…
For all who live under oppression, threat, and fear…
For Jewish neighbors preparing for Rosh Hashanah, and for all gifts of newness, self-reflection, and repentance…
Events and observances:
September Observances: National Literacy Month, Suicide Prevention Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 to Oct 15)
Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, martyr, died around 258 (Sept 16)
Hildegard, Abbess of Bingen, died 1179 (Sept 17)
Dag Hammarskjöld, renewer of society, died 1961 (Sept 18)
Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (transferred, Sept 22)
Rosh Hashanah, Judaism (Sept 22-24)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for faithful living in society (ACS p.50)
Eternal God, your Word brought forth creation, and your Spirit brings order out of chaos and confusion. You breathe upon us, and we are able to hear one another with language we can understand. Pour out your Spirit upon us now, that even when we disagree on the way forward, we may remain unted in Jesus Christ, in whom we are known and accepted with a single love. Amen.
A prayer for those who are incarcerated (ACS p.53)
O God, who creates us, redeems us, and calls us by name, we pray for all who are incarcerated, those rightly convicted and those falsely accused. Help those in prison to sense your presence with them. Heal brokenness, cure addictions, and provide for their needs. Comfort them in despair, restore their hope, and protect them from violence and abuse. We pray through Jesus Christ, in whom we are claimed and freed for new life. 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 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.