“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 elections, political transitions, and for all who hold political office…
For the families of those killed in the Florida Learjet crash…
For ongoing protests and demonstrations in Germany, France, and other places around the world…
For energy infrastructure concerns in Sudan…
For political stability in Poland…
For support for all facing mental health challenges, and especially postpartum depression and anxiety…
For those impacted by flooding in Florida and California…
Events & Observances:
November Observances: Indigenous Peoples’ Month (National Native American Heritage Month), Transgender Awareness Month, Men’s Mental Health Month, National Adoption Month
Martín de Porres, renewer of society, died 1639 (Nov 3)
Election Day (USA, Nov 3)
John Christian Frederick Heyer, died 1873; Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg, died 1719; Ludwig Nommensen, died 1918; missionaries (Nov 7)
Diwali (Hinduism, Nov 8)
Martin, Bishop of Tours, died 397 (Nov 11)
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, teacher, died 1855 (Nov 11)
Veterans Day-USA/Remembrance Day-Canada (Nov 11)
Prayers from ELCA Resources:
A prayer for those in civil authority (ELW p.77):
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, bless the public servants in the governments of our nations and local communities, that they may do their work in a spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice. Help them use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote our common life; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 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.
A variety of worship resources related to the recent 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.