“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, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Pakistan/Afghanistan, and Madagascar…
For transformations of heart toward lasting peace and freedom…
For safety and protection for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For those grieving victims of a factory explosion in McEwen, Tennessee and a factory fire in Bangladesh…
For all affected by the government shutdown, both federal workers and those who rely on federal offices and systems…
For journalists, educators, librarians, publishers, and all who contribute to the flow of information…
For victims of storms and flooding in Alaska and Mexico, and for flood threats in Colorado…
For healthcare workers…
For the flourishing of indigenous nations and communities and for the work of ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations…
Events and observances:
October Observances: Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 to Oct 15), Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Month, Down Syndrome Awareness Month, LGBT History Month
Teresa of Avila, teacher, renewer of the church, died 1582 (Oct 15)
Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, martyr, died around 115 (Oct 17)
Commemoration of Luke, Evangelist (Oct 18)
Diwali, Hinduism (Oct 20)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for cities (ELW)
Gracious God, bless our cities and make them places of safety for all people, rich and poor. Give us grace to work for cities where neighborhoods remain vibrant and whole, where the lost and forgotten in society are supported, and where the arts flourish. Make the diverse fabric of the city a delight to all who live and visit there and a strong bond uniting people around common goals for the good of all; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
A prayer for those affected by natural disasters (ACS)
Save us, O God, for the waters are rising, and there is no firm place to stand. Life as we know it has been swept away. Draw near to us in this time of need and be our protection. Support us as we rebuild what has been ruined. Do not let us drown in our sorrow, but raise us to new life in your promise of rebirth, already claimed for us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 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.