In 2024, ELCA Worship provided “Worship Resources for a National Election” to assist congregations. These readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions can be used in settings such as prayer vigils, as part of Morning or Evening Prayer, as part of regular weekly worship in the weeks preceding or following an election, or for devotions at home or in other settings. This is available in both PDF and DOC formats.
Newly added to this resource is the “Affirmation of Vocation in Civic Life” (see p. 5 of the document). This brief affirmation may be made as part of the sending rite of the whole assembly, or it may be made by individuals or groups. Such an affirmation acknowledges the holy calling we live out in our public life among neighbors near and far.
As you are seeking other resources to ground you in these moments, you may find helpful “For the Common Good: Prayers and Resources for Congregations in Public Life” curated by the Northwest Intermountain Synod of the ELCA. See also the 2025 ELCA Social Statement, Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All. Another resource you may find helpful as you consider public witness is the “Blessing and Sending for Public Witness” available from ELCA Worship.
For additional material related to election advocacy, see ELCAvotes and the ELCA’s social message, “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy.”
We are encouraged to pray without ceasing for the life of the world. See this encouragement to join with congregations and communities across the ELCA to gather for weekly, community prayer. https://praywithoutceasing.world/
As a reminder, the ELCA Worship Blog includes a weekly posting, For What Shall We Pray, that invites timely prayer for places and people around the world.
