“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, Gaza, Yemen, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For elections and political transitions, especially in Germany, Sweden, Syria and Russia, and for political leaders in the US and around the world…
For the Haitian immigrant community navigating the end of TPS…
For the Indonesian families impacted by a sinking ferry…
For ongoing flood recovery in Nepal and for ongoing flood threats in the region…
For families impacted by gun violence, especially in the Philippines…
For those killed in a bus collision and helicopter accident in Los Angeles, CA…
For those injured and killed during a mosque attack in Pakistan…
For compassion and safety for all migrants, and for renewed commitment to human dignity…
For the discovery of a new cat species in Bolivia and for all the ongoing mysteries and wonders of creation…
Events & Observances:
September Observances: National Suicide Prevention Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15)
Constitution Day & Citizenship Day (Sept 17)
Yom Kippur (Judaism, Sept 21)
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)
Nelson Wesley Trout, bishop, died 1996 (Sept 20)
Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Sept 21)
Prayers from ELCA Resources:
A prayer for the church (ELW, p.73)
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic church. Fill it with all truth and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in need, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ, your Son, our 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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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.