“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 peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Mali, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For those injured and affected by gun violence this week, in Dallas, Texas; Clarksville, Tennessee; and in the Philippine parliament in Manila…
For the health of those infected by hantavirus, and for all medical and public health professionals…
For Cuba and for all people and places affected by fuel costs and shortages…
For places that are burning and places affected by drought…
For those who serve in the armed forces…
For fair elections and fair representation…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…
For students finishing the academic year and those who are celebrating graduations…
Events and observances:
May observances: Mental Health Awareness Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National Military Appreciation Month, National Foster Care Month
Matthais, apostle (May 14)
Erik, martyr, died 1160 (May 18)
Victoria Day, Canada (May 18)
Helena, mother of Constantine, died c.330 (May 21)
Vigil of Pentecost (May 23)
Day of Pentecost (May 24)
Nicolaus Copernicus, died 1543; Leonhard Euler, died 1783; scientists (May 24)
Memorial Day, USA (May 25)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for enemies (ELW p.80)
Gracious God, your Son called on you to forgive his enemies while he was suffering shame and death. Lead our enemies and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
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 united in Jesus Christ, in whom we are known and accepted with a single love.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 for the US Semiquincentennial July 2026
Worship resources in a time of war
Worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land
Worship resources for the Eastern Europe Crisis
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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.