“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 an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For victims and families of the Hong Kong apartment fire…
For all affected by flooding in Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka…
For protection, provision, and justice for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and advocates…
For all victims of violence, exploitation, and abuse…
For access to affordable and reliable healthcare…
For those who live with seasonal affective disorder…
For just governance and equitable distribution of God’s abundance…
For those who cannot find peace or joy in this season…

Events and observances:
December Observances: Universal Human Rights Month, World AIDS/HIV Awareness Month, Spiritual Literacy Month

Francis Xavier, missionary to Asia, died 1552 (Dec 3)
John of Damascus, theologian and hymnwriter, died around 749 (Dec 4)
Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, died around 342 (Dec 6)
Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, died 397 (Dec 7)
Pearl Harbor Day (Dec 7)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec 8)
Bodhi Day (Buddhism, Dec 8)
Genocide Prevention Day (Dec 9)
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec 12)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the those in civil authority (ELW)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, bless the public servants in the government, 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 young persons (ELW)
God of all good gifts, your Son gathered children into his arms and blessed them. Help us to understand our youth as they grow in years and in knowledge of your world. Give us compassion when they face temptations and experience failures. Teach us to encourage their search for truth and value in their lives. Help us to appreciate their ideals and sympathize with their frustrations; that with them we may look for a better world than either we or they have known; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
Worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land
Worship resources for the Eastern Europe Crisis

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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.

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.

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Calendar Collection

The new year approaches – do you have your 2026 calendars needs covered? A spiral-bound wall calendar for planning with beautiful art that helps you keep time in the office, sacristy, and home (Calendar of Word and Season Year A)? Check.  Single page church year calendar with specific dates, Bible readings, hymn of the day, and liturgical color for Sundays and festivals of the church year (Church Year Calendar, Year A 2026)? Check! What about a spiral-bound planning calendar that is both an appointment calendar and a workbook for preparing worship (Worship Planning Calendar: Sundays and Seasons, Year A 2026)? You got it.

In a job where you plan seasons in advance, let these resources help you find the future date you need, and then return to a reminder of what season you are in right now (hint: you are currently in Advent)!

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Together by Grace

The next two Together by Grace: Bible Conversations installments are here! John and Psalms were released on Nov 3^rd and are ready to expand your small group study! Written by Rachel Wrenn (Psalms) and Katherine M. Lewis (John), this accessible and flexible study will guide your group to Gather, Dwell, and Engage with these texts.

ENDING DEC 31! Buy one Facilitator Guide and get its Participant Guide FREE. Use codes TBGROMANS, TBGMATTHEW, TBGPSALMS, and TBGJOHN to start today! (Offer good in the continental US only).

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Making Melody to the Lord: A Robert Buckley Farlee Hymnary

This collection contains forty-five hymn tunes and several texts by Robert Buckley Farlee, a gifted pastor, musician, and leader of assembly song. His carefully crafted melodies excite the theological imagination of the singing assembly and encourage a fresh perspective even on well-known texts in the collection. Other text writers include Susan R. Briehl, Thomas H. Troeger, Susan Palo Cherwien, Mary Louise Bringle, Isaac Watts, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

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Splash! Turns 21!

For over 2 decade, Splash! has provided an easy, affordable way to connect with families of young children in your congregation. These monthly newsletters for kids from one to 36 months support caregivers of infants by helping them incorporate faith formation into the events of daily life. They include articles about child development and faith formation, ideas for Bible storytelling, prayer, worship, play, and more. The back includes a John Bush cartoon and a prompt that invites parents to think about the articles, along with the mailing panel that makes it easy to fold and mail to families. This line also carries a guide for godparents and a keepsake book for faith moments. Check them out today!

Now through the end of the year, you can receive free shipping on five or more Splash! Packs! Use the promo code STILLSPLASHING when you place your order. (Continental U.S. only).

“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 an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For abducted students and staff in Nigeria…
For victims of flooding in Vietnam…
For all affected by volcanic eruptions in Indonesia and Ethiopia…
For winter storms across the United States and for safety for travelers…
For those affected by tornadoes and severe weather in Texas…
For de-escalation in areas facing immigration raids…
For health, safety, and provision for all migrants…
For families, friends, and neighbors gathering for the holiday…
In gratitude for God’s faithfulness…

Events and observances:
November Observances: Military Family Month, Native American Heritage Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Christ the King (Nov 23)
Isaac Watts, hymnwriter, died 1748 (Nov 25)
Day of Thanksgiving, USA (Nov 27)
First Sunday of Advent (Nov 30)
Andrew, Apostle (transferred, Dec 1)
World AIDS Day (Dec 1)
Francis Xavier, missionary to Asia, died 1552 (Dec 3)
John of Damascus, theologian and hymnwriter, died around 749 (Dec 4)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the Day of Thanksgiving (ELW)
Almighty God our Father, your generous goodness comes to us new every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A prayer for healthcare providers (ELW)
Merciful God, your healing power is everywhere about us. Strengthen those who work among the sick; give them courage and confidence in all they do. Encourage them when their efforts seem futile or when death prevails. Increase their trust in your power even to overcome death and pain and crying. May they be thankful for every sign of health you give, and humble before the mystery of your healing grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
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 an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For all affected by the the eruption of the Semeru volcano in Indonesia…
For safety, dignity, and justice for immigrants…
For the health of the earth and for those working to mitigate environmental destruction…
For victims of abuse and trafficking…
For ELCA indigenous ministries and tribal relations, and for the work of truth and healing…
For all who await the reign of Christ to break into our world and our hearts…

Events and observances:
November Observances: Military Family Month, Native American Heritage Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Christ the King (Nov 23)
Clement, Bishop of Rome, died around 100 (Nov 23)
Miguel Agustín Pro (Nov 23)
Justus Falckner, died 1723; Jehu Jones, died 1852; William Passavant, died 1894; pastors in North America
Isaac Watts, hymnwriter, died 1748 (Nov 25)
Day of Thanksgiving, USA (Nov 27)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the human family (ELW)
O God of all, with wonderful diversity of languages and cultures you created all people in your image. Free us from prejudice and fear, that we may see your face in the faces of people around the world; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A prayer for preservation of the earth and healing from exploitation (ACS)
Holy Spirit, you move through all creation with sighs too deep for words. Open our hearts to listen to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. Speak through your church to rebuke the forces that seek to exploit your planet. Join our human prayers with the voices of all creation and move us to honor you by preserving the gifts of nature that reveal your glory. Amen.
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The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
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 an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For all in the path of Typhoon Fung-wong…
For UN climate talks and for safety amidst protests…
For national tragedies around the world including a Turkish military plane crash, a bridge collapse in south-west China, a bus crash in Peru, and a car explosion attack in India…
For feeding ministries and all hunger relief organizations…
For all federal employees…
For care and safety for immigrants…
For all loving marriages and partnerships…
For the beauty of God’s creation, especially sightings of the Northern Lights this week…

Events and observances:
November Observances: Military Family Month, Native American Heritage Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Elizabeth of Hungary, renewer of society, died 1231 (Nov 17)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the human family (ELW)
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son. Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred that infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and, through our struggle and confusion, work to accomplish your purposes on earth; so that, in your good time, every people and nation may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A prayer for those who suffer abuse and violence (ACS)
Mighty Jesus, living Word, soothe the bodies, souls, and minds of the victims of sexual violence, domestic violence, or other forms of abuse. 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.

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The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
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.

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers in a monthly blog post.

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Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

2025 LSM Musical Advent Calendar
Nov. 30 – Dec. 24

Experience the fifth annual Musical Advent Calendar from Lutheran Summer Music with daily musical meditations to inspire reflection throughout the season. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, with all videos archived at LSMacademy.org/acal.

P.S. It’s also time to nominate students for LSM 2026! Help a young musician experience a transformative summer of music, community, and faith at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. Nominate them today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.

 

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Institute of Liturgy Studies

An ecumenical conference on liturgical renewal for the church today.

 The Feast of Creation – liturgy as creation groans
Valparaiso University, Ind.
April 13-15, 2026

Registration is now is open.
Early Registration: $350, ends Jan. 31, 2026
Regular Registration: $450
See website for other registration categories.

The 77th meeting of the Institute of Liturgical Studies will consider the possibilities of such a festival and season. We will reflect on creation, incarnation, and Jesus’s death and resurrection, all received by us through the created materiality of our sacramental life together. Furthermore, we will examine how petroleum culture has influenced our sacramental life and begin to envision ways to counter its impact. A model lectionary will be used, and sample liturgies will be celebrated.

The schedule, plenary speakers and workshop information are now available.

To receive notifications when new information is added to the site, add yourself to the mailing list here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.

ALCM  2026 Conference “Now and Forever”
St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.
Registration is now open.

In 1986, forty years ago, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians held its constituting convention at St. Olaf College, setting out to become a professional organization that would lift up the role of church music and to equip leaders to be able to lead the church’s song.

In the midst of our 40 year celebration, ALCM finds itself back on the St. Olaf campus to recommit to the calling of Lutheran Church music, to celebrate the last forty years, and to dream together about the next 40. Timing this conference to be in conjunction with Festival Week of Lutheran Summer Music, we gather to think about how God’s voice shapes the church Now and Forever. Through workshops, discussions, worship, and hands-on learning opportunities, participants will strengthen their gifts and develop new skills in topics such as worship leadership, technology, composition, enriching assembly song and more, all the while forming connections from Generation to Generation with musicians in the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival.

 

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Music that Makes Community

Rooted in Christian contemplative and activist traditions, Music That Makes Community envisions a liberative culture that empowers individuals and communities to claim and use the power of singing to heal our spirits, nurture our common lives, and work for justice.

Training Events — Join us at the following events for continuing education, community building, professional development, and celebrating this practice of paperless communal song-sharing.

• February 6-8, 2026: Two-Day Retreat in Raleigh, N.C.
  Details and more in-person events are being planned. Please stay tuned!

Resources – Read the MMC blog for articles on a variety of topics.  The latest presents Songs for Justice.

Job Postings on Music That Makes Community website.

Sign up for Monthly Newsletter for regular updates on resources and events.  Read recent issues here.

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Journey to Baptismal Living: North American Associate for the Catechumenate

An ecumenical Christian community seeking to support seekers, whether baptized or not, and those who accompany them on their journey of faith through the catechumenal process.

You are invited to visit the re-designed website to learn more about who we are and how to can assist you with resources, training, and other information about how we may work with you to connect through your commitment to the movement of faith through the sacrament of baptismal living as disciples of Christ.