“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, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For an end to gun violence, and for all victims of gun violence, especially in the communities of Shreveport, Louisiana and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as well as tourists visiting the Teotihuacán site near Mexico City…
For healing, resilience, and rebuilding in Midwestern communities recovering from tornadoes, and for all living in areas facing wildfires and wildfire risk…
For the wellbeing of our planet as we celebrate Earth Week, and for human hearts, minds, and wills to work for its health…
For Christian unity as we celebrate the season Easter, and for an end to interreligious conflict and religious persecution…
For farmers and farm workers, and for all who work with the land to provide food…

Events and observances:
April Observances: Autism Awareness Month, National Alcohol Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assualt Awareness Month

Olavus Petri, priest, died 1552; Laurentius Petri, Bishop ofUppsala, died 1573; renewers of the church (Apr 19)
Anselm, bishop of Canterbury, died 1109 (Apr 21)
Toyohiko Kagawa, renewer of society, died 1960 (Apr 23)
Mark, Evangelist (Apr 25)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the wellbeing of creation (ACS p.47)
God, creator of all living things, you fashioned a world in which lands and waterways, plants and animals, together meet the needs of all that you made. We pray that such vitality may flourish around the globe. Bless those who work the soil and who manage animals. Uphold their towns and villages. Nurture bees and other pollinators. Protect farmlands and ranches from drought and flood. Free children from forced labor in the fields. Grant an economy that can sustain those families who treasure a rural life. Teach us how to share with everyone the benefits of each harvest, and accept our gratitude for all sustenance you provide, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A prayer for a time of conflict, crisis, or disaster (ACS p.49)
Lord Jesus Christ, your own mother looked on when your life ended in violence. Our hearts are pierced with grief and anger at shootings in Louisiana, North Carolina, and around the globe. We commend the slain to your wounded hands, and their loved ones to your merciful heart, trusting only in the promise that your love is stronger than death, and that even now, you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

—

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

—

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.

“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, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For Christian unity and courage in seeking and speaking peace…
For rescue, recovery, and rebuilding work after storms, tornadoes, and flooding across the Midwestern US…
For victims of gun violence, especially in school shootings in Turkey…
For elections and political transitions around the world, especially in Hungary…
For all who struggle amidst rising fuel costs around the globe…
For the victims and survivors of the ship which sank between Bangladesh and Myanmar…
For safety for those on the Gaza flotilla from Spain…
For victims of the stampede at Laferrière Citadel in Haiti…
For the diversity and gifts of the human family…
For those who face financial stress in this tax season, and for renewed wisdom among leaders who discern how to use shared resources for the common good…
For migrating birds and insects, and for animals waking from hibernation…

Events and observances:
April Observances: Autism Awareness Month, National Alcohol Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assualt Awareness Month

Olavus Petri, priest, died 1552; Laurentius Petri, Bishop ofUppsala, died 1573; renewers of the church (Apr 19)
Anselm, bishop of Canterbury, died 1109 (Apr 21)
Toyohiko Kagawa, renewer of society, died 1960 (Apr 23)
Mark, Evangelist (Apr 25)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the proper use of wealth (ELW p.80)
O God, in your love you have given the people of this land gifts of abundance beyond what our forebears knew or could imagine. Mercifully grant that we may not be so occupied with material things that we forget spiritual gifts, and thus, even though we have gained the whole world, lose our souls; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

A prayer for faithful commitment (ELW p.86)
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, but always to your glory and the welfare of your people, through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

—

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

—

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.

“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, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For those who serve in the armed forces, for those who are deployed, and for those who have been injured…
For ceasefire in Iran…
For civilians caught in the midst of war and conflict…
For victims of the Grays Ferry parking garage collapse in Philadelphia, PA…
For local and global elections, and peaceful transitions of leadership…
For Christian unity across denominations and traditions…
For safe return of the Artemis II crew…
For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and for those unjustly detained…
For survivors of child abuse and sexual assault, and for caregivers and advocates…
For all affected by rising fuel and food costs and access…
For communities affected by early heat and drought…

Events and observances:
April Observances: Autism Awareness Month, National Alcohol Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assualt Awareness Month

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian, died 1945 (Apr 9)
Mikael Agricola, Bishop of Turku, died 1557 (Apr 10)
Yom HaShoah (Judaism, Apr 13-14)
Vaisakhi (Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, Apr 14)
Olavus Petri, priest, died 1552; Laurentius Petri, Bishop ofUppsala, died 1573; renewers of the church (Apr 19)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
Those in the armed forces (ELW p.77)
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils that surround them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

The care of children (ELW p82)
Almighty God, with a mother’s love and a father’s care you have blessed us with the joy and responsibility of children. As we bring them up, give us gracious love, calm strength, and patient wisdom, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

—

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

—

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.

“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, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For the Artemis crew and all who are guiding the mission…
For protests in the West Bank against death penalty laws…
For victims of a Russian military plane crash in Crimea…
For casualties of a migrant boat capsize near Turkey…
For families of those killed in gang attacks in Haiti…
For Pope Leo XIV, the Dali Lama, and all faith leaders speaking hopes for peace in the world…
For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For all affected by rising fuel and food costs and access…
For support, visibility, and civil rights for transgender individuals…
For all who have experienced religious trauma and feel alienated from the church…
For the church in every place as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ…
For Jewish siblings during the observance of Passover…

Events and observances:
April Observances: Autism Awareness Month, National Alcohol Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assualt Awareness Month

John Donne, poet, died 1631 (Mar 31)
Transgender Day of Visibility (Mar 31)
Maundy Thursday (Apr 2)
Good Friday (Apr 3)
Resurrection of Our Lord: Vigil of Easter (Apr 4)
Benedict the African, confessor, died 1589 (Apr 4)
Resurrection of Our Lord: Easter Day (Apr 5)
Albrecht Dürer, died 1528; Matthias Grünewald, died 1529; Lucas Cranach, died 1553; artists (Apr 6)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian, died 1945 (Apr 9)
Mikael Agricola, Bishop of Turku, died 1557 (Apr 10)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the church’s ministries (ACS p.46)
God of compassion, your Son came among us not to be served but to serve. We give you thanks for those whom you have called to the ministry of word and service. Give to all deacons faith to serve you with gladness; sustain them with a living hope, especially in times of despair; and kindle in them your love so that they see in every neighbor the face of Jesus Christ, our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.

A prayer for the spread of the gospel (ELW p.75)
By your word, eternal God, your creation sprang forth, and we were given the breath of life. By your word, eternal God, death is overcome, Christ is raised from the tomb, and we are given new life in the power of your Spirit. May we boldly proclaim this good news in our words and our deeds, rejoicing always in your powerful presence; through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.
Amen.

—

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

—

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.

“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, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For Dame Sarah Mullally and her installation as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury…
For the families of those killed in hospital attack in Sudan…
For safe working conditions for all workers, especially in wake of car parts factory fire in South Korea…
For victims of the Air Canada runway crash at LaGuardia Airport…
For all who know the trauma and pain of sexual assault, abuse, or exploitation…
For elections and political transitions, local and global…
For those affected by flooding in Hawaii, and all impacted by natural disasters…
For travelers, especially those facing airport delays and uncertainties, and for TSA workers…
For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For ongoing energy crises and rising fuel costs…
For pastors, church musicians, and congregational leaders preparing for Holy Week…

Events and observances:
March Observances: Women’s History Month, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, National Social Work Month

Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Bishop of El Salvador, martyr, died 1980 (Mar 24)
Annunciation of Our Lord (Mar 25)
Sunday of the Passion / Palm Sunday (Mar 29)
Hans Nielsen Hauge, renewer of the church, died 1824 (Mar 29)
John Donne, poet, died 1631 (Mar 31)
Maundy Thursday (Apr 2)
Good Friday (Apr 3)
Resurrection of Our Lord: Vigil of Easter (Apr 4)
Benedict the African, confessor, died 1589 (Apr 4)
Resurrection of Our Lord: Easter Day (Apr 5)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for faithful living in society (ACS p.50)
Sovereign God, your Son Jesus lived within the structures of society even as he spoke truth to those in power and challenged systems of oppression. Empower us to be courageous disciples and responsible citizens. Grant that our life in the public realm be grounded in love for our neighbors, care for the most vulnerable in our midst, and respect for the common life we share, following the example of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A prayer for those who are incarcerated (ACS p.52)
Mighty God, merciful and just: we pray for our jails, prisons, and detention centers, that they be places of fair and humane treatment for all. Lead us to end solitary confinement and other cruel and demeaning practices. Guide police and corrections officers, attorneys and judges to use wisely the power entrusted to them. Inspire prison worshiping communities and chaplains. Rouse us to eradicate racism, corruption, and greed in the criminal justice system. By your Spirit, transform our society, that the dignity and worth of every incarcerated person be honored. We ask this through your resurrected Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

—

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

—

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.

“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, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For families of those killed in airstrikes at rehab center in Afghanistan…
For University of Kent students, staff, and families facing a meningitis outbreak…
For extreme heat across areas of the United States…
For all impacted by natural disasters, especially those facing historic wildfires in Nebraska…
For the energy crisis and blackouts in Cuba…
For communities grieving violence, especially Old Dominion University in Virginia and Temple Israel in Michigan…
For TSA workers and airport travelers…
For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For all affected by rising fuel and food costs and access…

Events and observances:
March Observances: Women’s History Month, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, National Social Work Month

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)
Eid al Fitr (Islam, Mar 20)
Thomas Cranmer, Bishop of Canterbury, martyr, died 1556 (Mar 21)
Jonathan Edwards, teacher, died 1758 (Mar 22)
Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Bishop of El Salvador, martyr, died 1980 (Mar 24)
Annunciation of Our Lord (Mar 25)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for remembrance of the faithful departed (ELW p.82)
Eternal God, your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. We rejoice in the lives of those whom you have drawn into your eternal embrace. Keep us in joyful communion with them until we join the saints of every people and nation gathered before your throne in ceaseless praise, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A prayer for the chronically ill and those who support them (ELW p.85)
Loving God, your heart overflows with compassion for your whole creation. Pour out your spirits on all people living with illness for which there is no cure, as well as their families and loved ones. Help them to know that you claim them as your own and deliver them from fear and pain; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our healer and Lord. Amen.

—

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

—

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.