“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 justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For all affected by rising fuel and food costs and access…
For elections and political transitions, especially in Iran, Chile, and Britain…
For all impacted by severe storms and weather in Illinois, Indiana, Texas, and Hawaii…
For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For those who rely on Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP and WIC benefits, Social Security, and other forms of public assistance…
For all who face legislative challenges to their civil rights, especially transgender individuals…
For dignity and full accessibility for all who live with disabilities…
For elected leaders and all who strive to hold them accountable for acting in accordance with the good of all, especially the most vulnerable…
Events and observances:
March Observances: Women’s History Month, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, National Social Work Month
National Employee Appreciation Day (Mar 6)
Perpetua and Felicity and companions, martyrs at Carthage, died 202 (Mar 7)
Daylight Saving Time (Mar 8)
International Women’s Day (Mar 8)
Harriet Tubman, died 1913; Sojourner Truth, died 1883;renewers of society (Mar 10)
Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, died 604 (Mar 12)
International Day Against Police Brutality (Mar 15)
St. Patrick’s Day (Mar 17)
Joseph, guardian of Jesus (Mar 19)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for healing and wholeness in disability (ACS p.52)
Creator God, you made us all in your image. Help us to embrace one another as you do, beloved and blessed; not in need of fixing, but in need of authentic welcome. Bring healing where it is desired, affirmation where it is lacking, and awareness to all. Open our hearts to receive the gifts and needs of all people, and to become communities where everyone can find a place. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
A prayer for the public church (ACS p.47)
Mighty and merciful God, lover of justice and equity, you call us to support the weak, to help those who suffer, and to honor all people. By the power of your Holy Spirit, make us advocates for your justice and instruments of your peace, so that all may be reconciled in your beloved community; through Jesus Christ our Savior. 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 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.