“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 justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For an end to gun violence, and for all affected by shootings in Croatia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin…
For families and loved ones of those killed in the Nepal plane crash…
For those grieving after mudslides in Ethiopia…
For all in the path of super typhoon Gaemi in Taiwan and the Philippines…
For the safety of travelers and for the work of geologists following the hydrothermal eruption in Yellowstone National Park…
For our nation, and especially for renewed compassion and kindness in our political deliberations…
For athletes, national representatives, and spectators traveling to Paris, France for the Olympic Games…
For wildfires in the US Pacific Northwest and western Canada…
For all who struggle with asthma and severe allergies and other chronic breathing disorders…
For travelers still stranded amidst flight cancellations and delays, and especially for youth and leaders still waiting to travel home from the ELCA Youth Gathering…

Events and observances:
July Observances: Disability Pride Month

Mary Magdalene, Apostle (transferred) (Jul 22)
Birgitta of Sweden, renewer of the church, died 1373 (Jul 23)
James, Apostle (Jul 25)
Johann Sebastian Bach, died 1750; Heinrich Schütz, died 1672; George Frederick Handel, died 1759; musicians (Jul 28)
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany (Jul 29)
Olaf, King of Norway, martyr, died 1030 (Jul 29)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
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 Spirit 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.

A prayer for agriculture (ELW p. 81)
Abundant God, we give you thanks for the fruitful earth, which produces what is needed for life. Bless those who work in the fields; grant favorable weather to all engaged in agriculture; and help us to ensure that all people share the fruits of the earth, rejoicing in your goodness; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A set of worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land is available on ELCA.org. Several prayers are provided that could be used during the prayers of intercession or at other times, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings. PDF DOC

A set of worship resources for national elections is available on ELCA.org. Scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions are offered, to be used in settings such as prayer vigils, Morning or Evening Prayer, regular weekly worship or personal devotion in the weeks preceding or following an election. PDF DOC

—

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 justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For all affected by political violence, and for healing for our divided nation…
For all impacted by gun violence, especially the families of those killed in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Alabama, and Oman…
For relief and recovery efforts following severe storms and tornadoes in the midwestern United States…
For those living in areas of extreme heat, especially those who lack adequate shelter…For children and youth who are being detained as part of mass arrests in El Salvador…
For student protests in Bangladesh…
For Muslims as they observe Ashura…
For youth, adult leaders, staff, volunteers, and all who have traveled to New Orleans for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering…

Events and observances:
July Observances: Disability Pride Month

Bartolomé de Las Casas, missionary to the Indies, died 1566 (Jul 17)
Mary Magdalene, Apostle (transferred) (Jul 22)
Birgitta of Sweden, renewer of the church, died 1373 (Jul 23)
James, Apostle (Jul 25)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the mission of the church (ELW p. 75)
Draw your church together, O God, into the great company of disciples, together following our teacher Jesus Christ into every walk of life, together serving in Christ’s mission to the world, and together witnessing to your love wherever you will send us; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A prayer for peace among the nations (ELW p. 76)
Gracious God, grant peace among nations. Cleanse from our own hearts the seeds of strife: greed and envy, harsh misunderstandings and ill will, fear and desire for revenge. Make us quick to welcome ventures in cooperation among the peoples of the world, so that there may be woven the fabric of a common good too strong to be torn by the evil hands of war. In the time of opportunity, make us be diligent; and in the time of peril, let not our courage fail; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A set of worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land is available on ELCA.org. Several prayers are provided that could be used during the prayers of intercession or at other times, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings. PDF DOC

A set of worship resources for national elections is available on ELCA.org. Scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions are offered, to be used in settings such as prayer vigils, Morning or Evening Prayer, regular weekly worship or personal devotion in the weeks preceding or following an election. PDF DOC

—

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 justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For children, the elderly, the disabled, all the vulnerable who suffer most in the midst of violence and conflict…
For all communities impacted Hurricane Beryl, especially in Texas; for the families of those killed in the storm…
For prophets, preachers, advocates, and all who have the courage to speak difficult truths in the face of opposition…
For stability and healing of creation in the midst of climate crisis; for people and ecosystems whose safety is threatened by increasingly severe heatwaves…
For restoration and renewal for all who are enjoying recreation and vacation time; for just policies that ensure all people a rest from their labors…

Events and observances:
July Observances: Disability Pride Month

Thomas the Apostle, July 3
Independence Day (USA), July 4
Benedict of Nursia, July 11
Nathan Söderblom, Bishop of Uppsala, July 12
Bastille Day, July 14

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for martyrs (ELW p. 59)
Gracious God, in every age you have sent people who have given their lives in witness to your love and truth. Inspire us with the memory of _______, whose faithfulness led to the way of the cross, and give us courage to bear full witness with our lives to your Son’s victory over sin and death, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

A prayer for those who suffer for the sake of conscience (ELW p. 80)
God of faithfulness, you bless those who are persecuted. Strengthen those who suffer for the sake of conscience. When they are accused, save them from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from despair. Give us grace to respect their witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be cleansed and strengthened; for the sake of our merciful and righteous judge, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A prayer for the stewardship of natural resources (ELW p. 80)
Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us coworkers in your creation. Give us wisdom and reverence to use the resources of nature so that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A set of worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land is available on ELCA.org. Several prayers are provided that could be used during the prayers of intercession or at other times, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings. PDF DOC

A set of worship resources for national elections is available on ELCA.org. Scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions are offered, to be used in settings such as prayer vigils, Morning or Evening Prayer, regular weekly worship or personal devotion in the weeks preceding or following an election. PDF DOC

—

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 justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For all in the path of hurricanes, especially in the Caribbean…
For areas impacted by ongoing floods, droughts, wildfires, and landslides…
For all who live with disabilities, especially those who struggle to access adequate healthcare, and those whose contributions to the world are continually undervalued
For the peaceful and respectful transition of power during a season of elections around the world, especially in Iran, France, the UK, Rwanda, and Syria…
For the family and friends of those killed in the stampede at a religious event in India, as well as all who were injured…
For inventors and innovators like Nikola Tesla and all the ways God invites us into the work of creation and discovery…

Events and observances:
June Observances: LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Gun Violence Awareness Month
July Observances: Disability Pride Month

Thomas the Apostle, July 3
Independence Day (USA), July 4
Benedict of Nursia, July 11

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 renewers of society (ELW p.60)
O God, your Son came among us to serve and not to be served, and to give his life for the life of the world. Lead us by his love and serve all those towhom the world offers no comfort and little help. Through us give hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved, peace to the troubled, and rest to the weary, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
.

A set of worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land is available on ELCA.org. Several prayers are provided that could be used during the prayers of intercession or at other times, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings. PDF DOC

A set of worship resources for national elections is available on ELCA.org. Scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions are offered, to be used in settings such as prayer vigils, Morning or Evening Prayer, regular weekly worship or personal devotion in the weeks preceding or following an election. PDF DOC

—

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 justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…
For a ceasefire in Gaza, for hostages to be freed, and for all who are engaging in diplomacy to bring this about…
For all people who must leave their homes to preserve their safety, especially in Rafah…
For safety and sensitivity in the midst of campus protests…
For the people, plants, and animals harmed by flooding in South Texas and Kenya…
For those affected by tornadoes in Oklahoma and Michigan…
For victims of an apartment building collapse in southern South Africa, and for continued recovery efforts…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…
For the United Methodist Church as they step into a future that embraces the gifts and leadership of LGBTQ+ clergy…
For those in our country without access to healthcare, and for those who must travel to get the care they need…

Events and observances:

May Observances: Mental Health Awareness Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May)

Julian of Norwich, renewer of the church, died c. 1416, May 8
Victor the Moor, martyr, died c. 303, May 8
Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, renewer of the church, hymnwriter, died 1760, May 9
Matthais, apostle, May 14

Prayers from ELCA resources:

A prayer of Julian of Norwich (ELW, p.87)
In you, Father all-mighty, we have our preservation and our bliss. In you, Christ, we have our restoring and our saving. You are our mother, brother, and savior. In you, our Lord the Holy Spirit, is marvelous and plenteous grace. You are our clothing; for love you wrap us and embrace us. You are our maker, our lover, our keeper. Teach us to believe that by your grace all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well. Amen.

A prayer for refugees, migrants, immigrants (ACS p.51)
O God, as you guided the Israelites to a new land by pillars of cloud and fire, now travel alongside all people who seek safety from persecution and a better life. (Especially we pray for _______.) Provide them with what they need as they travel, and guide them to places of welcome and sanctuary. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Resources regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and the May 5 Awareness Day are available on ELCA.org.

A set of worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land is available on ELCA.org. Several prayers are provided that could be used during the prayers of intercession or at other times, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings. PDF DOC

A set of worship resources for national elections is available on ELCA.org. Scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions are offered, to be used in settings such as prayer vigils, Morning or Evening Prayer, regular weekly worship or personal devotion in the weeks preceding or following an election. PDF DOC

—

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.