“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, Ethiopia, Syria, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For an end to terrorism and genodice across the world…
For safety and just resolution to student protests in France and housing protests in Spain…
For landslides and flooding in Nepal…
For heavy rain and storms in Nebraska, Texas, and the east coast…
For glacial melting in Antarctica and Switzerland, for ocean warming, and for the profound effects of ongoing climate change…
For human dignity and justice, especially for death row inmates…
For victims of assault and trafficking…
For immigrants facing unjust deportation and for children and youth left abandoned by deportation actions…
For those who cannot afford food and those who rely on federal and local assistance…
Events & Observances:
October Observances: Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15), Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Filipino American History Month, National Bullying Prevention Month, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, LGBTQ History Month
Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church, died 1226 (Oct 4)
Theodor Fliedner, renewer of society, died 1864 (Oct 4)
William Tyndale, translator, martyr, died 1536 (Oct 6)
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, pastor in North America, died 1787 (Oct 7)
Massie L. Kennard, renewer of the church, died 1986 (Oct 10)
Day of Thanksgiving (Canada, Oct 12)
Prayers from ELCA Resources:
A prayer for the gifts of agriculture (ELW p.78):
God our creator, you have ordered seedtime and harvest, sunshine and rain. Give to all who work the land fair compensation for the work of their hands. Grant that the people of this and every nation may give thanks to you for food, drink, and all that sustains life; may use with care the land and water from which good things come; and may honor the laborers who produce them; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A prayer for those who suffer abuse and violence (ACS p.53):
Mighty Jesus, living Word, soothe the bodies, souls, and minds of the victims of sexual violence, domestic violence, and all forms of harm. Bring them peace, hope, comfort, and strength. Bring abusers to justice and prevent them from causing further harm. Stir up the heart of your church gathered here and around the world, that we value justice and healing over silence and shame. Show us the way to your righteousness, led by the voices of those who suffer. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
A variety of worship resources related to the upcoming national election season are available here.
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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.