“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 all those affected by war and armed conflict around the world, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Syria, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For ongoing protests and demonstrations in France, India, Albania, and Serbia…
For rescue and recovery efforts in Tibet following an earthquake…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Bend and Happy Valley, OR; and Karak, Jordan…
For elections and political transitions around the world…
For interfaith cooperation and understanding…
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
James of Jerusalem, martyr, died around 62 (Oct 23)
Reformation Sunday (Oct 25)
Philipp Nicolai, died 1608; Johann Heermann, died 1647; PaulGerhardt, died 1676; hymnwriters (Oct 26)
Simon and Jude, Apostles (Oct 28)
Reformation Day (Oct 31)
All Saints Day (Nov 1)
Prayers from ELCA Resources:
A prayer for peace (ELW p.63):
Almighty God, all thoughts of truth and peace come from you. Kindle in the hearts of all your children the love of peace, and guide with your wisdom the leaders of the nations, so that your kingdom will go forth in peace and the earth will be filled with the knowledge of your love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMen.
A prayer for victims of gun violence (ACS p.49)
God, our healer and our refuge, we pray for all who suffer from gun violence. With your mercy, bind up their wounds, restore their bodies, and heal their hearts. Comfort the mourners and embrace the lonely. With your might, empower us to change this broken world. Make us advocates for a stable society, alive with hope in you. We ask this through the one once wounded for our transgressions and now standing with us in our sorrows, Jesus CHrist, our Savior and Lord. 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.