“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, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For the three-year anniversary of the attacks in Gaza…
For elections and political transitions around the world…
For lawmakers and courts of law…
For all affected by the spread of disease…
For safety amidst ongoing student protests in France…
For flooding in Spain and all affected by natural disasters…
For all in the path of Tropical Storm Isaias…
For Nobel Prize recipients and all gifts of discovery, research, and curiosity…

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

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)
Indigenous People’s Day (Oct. 12)
Day of Thanksgiving (Canada, Oct 12)
Teresa of Avila, teacher, renewer of the church, died 1582 (Oct 15)
Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, martyr, died around 115 (Oct 17)

Prayers from ELCA Resources:
A prayer for responsible citizenship (ELW p.77):
Lord God, you call your people to honor those in authority. Help us elect trustworthy leaders, participate in wise decisions for our common life, and serve our neighbors in local communities. Bless the leaders of our land, that we may be at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A prayer of Pope Francis (ACS p.48):
Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your kingdom of justice, peace, love, and beauty. Amen.

A variety of worship resources related to the upcoming national election season are available here.

—

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.

On October 3, 2026, Evangelical Lutheran Worship celebrated its 20th anniversary. When the worship book entered the world, it wasn’t so much a book, but one expression of the larger Renewing Worship process that was robustly engaged in between 2000 and 2005. As noted in the introduction, “Evangelical Lutheran Worship is a core rather than a comprehensive resource” (ELW, p. 7). It provides a core set of resources—liturgical settings, prayers, hymns, and more—that worshiping assemblies can use and build upon. 

Much indeed has been built around this core resource in the past two decades: guidebooks for worship leaders, a hymnal companion, many resources for music leaders and choirs, helpful indexes, pastoral care resources, and so much more. In 2020, All Creation Sings joined the family, providing additional settings of holy communion; litanies, prayers and laments; and 200 hymns and songs. 

To celebrate 20 years, our colleagues at Augsburg Fortress shared some fun facts and trivia available for download on the Augsburg Fortress website. What was familiar to you? Did anything surprise you? Will you celebrate this anniversary in your own place in some way, perhaps by singing a beloved hymn that your assembly got to know through ELW? 

For 20 years, Evangelical Lutheran Worship and the family of resources surrounding it have guided worshipers as they gather, proclaim the word, pray and sing, share in the sacraments, and are sent forth in service. If you were not active in a congregation as a pastor, deacon, musician or other leader in 2006, you may not be aware of the several free, downloadable resources made available through ELCA Worship at that time. While designed for introductory events, you may be surprised to see how much is still new or not fully probed. Check out ELW: Introduction,  ELW: A Deeper Look, and ELW: Freedom and Flexibility. Others on more specific topics can also be found at resources.elca.org. 

Since the release of Evangelical Lutheran Worship in 2006, a percentage of the sales of several principal resources in the ELW family continues to be reinvested into worship projects of the ELCA churchwide organization and Augsburg Fortress. This includes smaller-market and mission-focused worship resources for use in the ELCA and ongoing education for the ELCA regarding worship. 

The title Evangelical Lutheran Worship calls us to continually share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In our worship, we are gathered as the body of Christ and then sent into mission for the life of the world. Let us give thanks for being nourished in word, meal, and song, that we may, in the words of ELW 678, 

Open wide our hands in sharing, as we heed Christ’s ageless call,
healing, teaching, and reclaiming, serving you by loving all.    

“God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending”
Robert L. Edwards (1915-2006) 

Augsburg Fortress is the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers that support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from other partners in a monthly blog post.

Music Sourcebook: All Saints through Transfiguration

This Music Sourcebook greatly expands the repertoire of resources for the song of the assembly and its leaders from All Saints through Transfiguration including the Advent and Christmas seasons. Most materials are reproducible and are newly composed in a broad range of styles. Accompaniments for this resource are available through the Music Leader Module on sundaysandseasons.com.

Seasonal Devotional Bundle and Save!

Easter is very early this year with Ash Wednesday falling on February 10th! With such a small window between Advent and Lent, we have a special bundle promotion of the beloved seasonal devotionals! From Oct 1 until Jan 6, order 100+ mixed and matched Comfort and Joy and On the Way devotionals and get free shipping! Ordering now prevents a panicked and potentially delayed order in mid-January.

Fall Webinar Series

 Singing for a Lifetime: Rediscovering and Cultivating the Potential of the Aging Voice
October 22, 11 a.m. CST
Jennaya Robison, presenter

Singing is an athletic endeavor, and like any physical activity, it can bring concerns about changing vocal capacity as we age. But there is good news: singers have far more agency than they realize to strengthen, refine, and even improve their voices over time. In this session, Jennaya Robison will share practical, research-informed strategies for maintaining healthy vocal function at every stage of life. Participants will explore exercises that build efficient vocal coordination, techniques for developing consistency, and rehearsal approaches that help singers thrive. Music directors will leave with concrete tools and regimens to support their ensembles, empowering singers to enjoy a lifetime of healthy, expressive music-making.

November 10, 11 a.m. CST, A Dazzling Bouquet: Songs on the Path of Justice and Community
Bret Hesla, presenter

Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Leaders Desk Edition

The Leaders Desk Edition includes all the content from the Ritual Edition in a more convenient size for worship planning and study, plus additional reference materials from the Pew Edition.

“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.

—

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.

In 2024, ELCA Worship provided “Worship Resources for a National Election” to assist congregations. These readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions can be used in settings such as prayer vigils, as part of Morning or Evening Prayer, as part of regular weekly worship in the weeks preceding or following an election, or for devotions at home or in other settings. This is available in both PDF and DOC formats.

Newly added to this resource is the “Affirmation of Vocation in Civic Life” (see p. 5 of the document). This brief affirmation may be made as part of the sending rite of the whole assembly, or it may be made by individuals or groups. Such an affirmation acknowledges the holy calling we live out in our public life among neighbors near and far.

As you are seeking other resources to ground you in these moments, you may find helpful “For the Common Good: Prayers and Resources for Congregations in Public Life” curated by the Northwest Intermountain Synod of the ELCA. See also the 2025 ELCA Social Statement, Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All. Another resource you may find helpful as you consider public witness is the “Blessing and Sending for Public Witness” available from ELCA Worship.

For additional material related to election advocacy, see ELCAvotes and the ELCA’s social message, “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy.”

We are encouraged to pray without ceasing for the life of the world. See this encouragement to join with congregations and communities across the ELCA to gather for weekly, community prayer. https://praywithoutceasing.world/

As a reminder, the ELCA Worship Blog includes a weekly posting, For What Shall We Pray, that invites timely prayer for places and people around the 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, Gaza, Ethiopia, Yemen, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For an end to genocide across the world…
For flooding in southwestern Ohio and all those affected by natural disasters…
For Luther Seminary and all seminaries navigating reimagination or relocation…
For the United Nations General Assembly and for all agencies working for peace…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Ontario, Canada and Durban, South Africa…
For immigrants and all marginalized populations who live in fear of violence
For those in the path of Tropical Storm Nolo…
For all in need of access to affordable healthcare…

Events & Observances:
September Observances: National Suicide Prevention Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15)

September Equinox/First Day of Fall (Sept. 22)
Sukkot begins (Judaism, Sept 26)
Michael and All Angels (Sept 29)
Jerome, translator, teacher, died 420 (Sept 30)
Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church, died 1226 (Oct 4)
Theodor Fliedner, renewer of society, died 1864 (Oct 4)

Prayers from ELCA Resources:
A prayer for responsible citizenship (ELW):
Lord God, you call your people to honor those in authority. Help us elect trustworthy leaders, participate in wise decisions for our common life, and serve our neighbors in local communities. Bless the leaders of our land, that we may be at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A prayer of Pope Francis (ACS):
Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your kingdom of justice, peace, love, and beauty. Amen.

—

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.