“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 gatherings and conversations of interfaith partnerships and community groups dedicated to fostering dialog and understanding…
For those near death and for those mourning the loss of a loved one…
For the partnering work of the Lutheran World Federation as delegates travel home from LWF Thirteenth Assembly in Krakow, Poland…
For the Lutheran World Federation’s new president, the Rev. Henrik Stubkjær….
For the recent assembly of the Sierra Pacific Synod and for Bishop-Elect Jeff Johnson…
For attendees of the WELCA Triennial Gathering in Phoenix, AZ…
For the work of the UN General Assembly…
For those experiencing liberation and reunion…
For those struggling with addiction, in recovery programs, and celebrating sobriety anniversaries…
For areas around the world experiencing violence and unrest, including Ukraine and Niger…
For the people of Morocco and Libya in the aftermath of devastating flooding…

Events and observances:

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

Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Sept 21)
International Day of Peace (Sept 21)
National Native American Day (Sept 22)
Yom Kippur (Judaism, begins eve of Sept 24)

Prayers from ELCA resources:

A prayer for those who live alone (ELW p. 83)
Gracious God, none who trust in your Son can be separated from your love. Give to those who live alone peace and contentment in their solitude, hope and fulfillment in their love of you, and joy and companionship in their relations with others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A prayer for those who are oppressed because of religious identity  (ACS p. 51)
God of mercy and new life, you love all people, whom you have made in your image. Empower your faithful people to stand in solidarity with all those oppressed because of religious identity. Deepen respect, community, and love among all those who seek justice and peace. In the name of Jesus we pray. 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.

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.

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

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

One-day local workshops for church musicians to learn new skills, share best practices, build relationships and support systems, and introduce others to the ALCM Community. Workshops are scheduled all across the country.  Sign up for upcoming events.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival

Nominate students for Lutheran Summer Music

It’s not too soon to nominate a student for LSM 2024. With enrollment for next summer already over 50% full, it will be important for interested students to apply early! Know a high school student who would benefit from the life-giving and joyful musical community at LSM? Nominate them today or contact admissions@lutheransummermusic.org for more information. LSM 2024 takes place at Valparaiso University from June 30 through July 28, 2024.

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

An interdisciplinary study and ministry center that promotes the scholarly study of the theology, history, and practice of Christian worship and the renewal of worship in worshiping communities across North America and beyond.

The Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants Program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship is designed to foster, strengthen and sustain well-grounded worship in congregations Grants to worshiping communities stimulate thoughtful and energetic work that will result in worship services that exhibit renewed creativity, theological integrity, and relevance. Learn more about Worshiping Communities Grants. The next deadline for proposals is October 15. Future dates include Feb. 15 and June 15, 2024.

Music that Makes Community

Music that Makes Community practices communal song-sharing that inspires deep spiritual connection, brave shared leadership, and sparks the possibility of transformation in our world.

As Music that Makes Community plans future offerings and resources, we invite you to answer the question, “What do you need?” through a short survey we’re offering until the end of September. As musicians, clergy, community leaders, composers, and organizers, we know you are listening deeply to your community and context. We want you to know we’re also listening and eager to hear how MMC’s programming might find deeper resonance!

As always, find upcoming MMC offerings on our website calendar. Morning Grounding has resumed, and there are workshops, webinars, and retreats offering resources for your congregation, as well as spaces for rest and renewal.

Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources

Augsburg Fortress is an imprint of 1517 Media, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Gather Together: 8 Intergenerational Events to Explore All Creation Sings provides opportunities for children, youth, and adults to come together around topics of worship, images for God, being a global church, experiencing life transitions, creation care, and more! Enjoy coming together as a faith community for learning and fellowship with this new and timely resource.

Ashes to Action: Finding Myself at the Intersection of the Minneapolis Uprising

Call to Allyship: Preparing Your Congregation for Leaders of Color

Come, Emmanuel: Devotions for Advent 2023-2024

Remind Me Again Facilitator Guide: 41 Sessions Based on the Poetry of Joe Davis

Unscheduled Grace: 40 Devotions and Prayers for College Students

“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 those facing the immense grief of natural disasters and their devastation: flooding in Libya, earthquake in Morocco, floods in Massachusetts, Typhoon Haikui in southern China, and those in the path of Hurricanes Lee and Margot…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Sacrament, CA; Chicago, IL; Colorado Springs, CO; Choctaw, OK; Minneapolis, MN; Kansas City, MO; and Pittsburgh, PA…
For all facing financial insecurity…
For renewed civility, grace, and commitment to the common good among political leaders and governments…
For peace in areas of war or conflict, especially in Ukraine, Myanmar, Syria, and Palestine…
For those struggling with anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation…
For doctors, therapists, counselors, social workers, and all mental health professionals and advocates…
For Jewish neighbors who are entering a season of holy days…

Events and observances:

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

National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week (Sept 7-14)
National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept 10-16)
John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, died 407 (Sept 13)
Holy Cross Day (Sept 14)
Rosh Hashana, (Judaism, Sept 15 eve-Sept 17)
Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, martyr, died around 258 (Sept 16)
Hildegard, Abbess of Bingen, died 1179 (Sept 17)
Dag Hammarskjöld, renewer of society, died 1961 (Sept 18)

Prayers from ELCA resources:

A prayer for those in affliction (ELW p. 84)
Lord Christ, you came into the world as one of us, and suffered as we do. As we go through the trials of life, help us to realize that you are with us at all times and in all things; that we have no secrets from you; and that your loving grace enfolds us for eternity. In the security of your embrace we pray. Amen.

A prayer for those living with mental illness (ACS p. 52)
Mighty God, in Jesus Christ you know the spirits that could our minds and set us against ourselves. Comfort those who are torn by conflict, cast down, or lost in worlds of illusion. By your power, drive from us the powers that shake confidence and shatter love. Tame unruly forces within us, and bring us to your truth, so that we may know peace and accept ourselves as your beloved children in Jesus Christ. 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.

“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 areas threatened by tropical storms and hurricanes, and especially for recovery efforts following Hurricane Idalia and Typhoon Haikui…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Kansas City, MO; Memphis, TN; Birmingham, AL; McKeesport, PA; Silver Spring, MD
For victims of those injured or killed in vehicle accidents…
For repair and reconciliation among political leaders and governments…
For areas of the United States facing extreme weather conditions: droughts, high temperatures, and flooding…
For all who advocate for fair wages and just labor policies…
For relief and recovery efforts following flooding in Greece and Spain…
For peace in areas of war or conflict, especially in Ukraine, Myanmar, Syria, and Palestine…
For teachers, administrators, and all school staff…
For the work of first responders and all who serve the public and common good…

Events and observances:

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

Peter Claver, priest, missionary to Colombia, died 1654 (Sept 9)
National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week (Sept 7-14)
National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept 10-16)
Patriot Day (Sept 11)

Prayers from ELCA resources:

A prayer for teachers (ELW p. 78)
God of wisdom, your Son came among us as a teacher. Send your blessing on all who are engaged in the work of education: give them clearness of vision and freshness of thought, and enable them so to train the hearts and minds of their students that they may grow in wisdom and be prepared to face the challenges of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A prayer for peace (ACS p. 48)
You calm and quiet us, eternal God, as a mother holds her children close; all people have refuge in the shadow of your wings. Spread over us the shelter of your peace. Hold before us the wisdom of your cross, where we are drawn to you not by might or power, but by your boundless love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 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.

“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 in the pathway of Hurricane Idalia…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Chapel Hill, NC; Jacksonville, FL…
For areas threatened by wildfires in Louisiana, and for wildfires that continue to burn in Greece…
For renewed civility and collaboration among political leaders…
For all facing persecution and violence due to sexual orientation and gender identity, especially in Nigeria and Uganda…
For families of those injured or killed in automobile, helicopter, and other transportation accidents…
For peace in areas of war or conflict, especially in Ukraine, Mali, Libya, Syria, and Palestine…
For fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal access to opportunity for all who are employed…
For financial stability for those who are unemployed, underemployed, or on fixed incomes…
In gratitude for the many and various vocations by which all people can serve God in daily life…

Events and observances:

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

National Food Bank Day (September 1)
Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig, bishop, renewer of the church, died 1872 (September 2)
Labor Day (September 4)

Prayers from ELCA resources:

A prayer for vocation in daily life (ELW p. 82)
O God, give us grace to set a good example to all among whom we live, to be just and true in all our dealings, to be strict and conscientious in the discharge of every duty; pure and temperate in all enjoyment, gracious and generous and courteous toward all; so that the mind of Jesus Christ may be formed in us and all may know that we are his disciples; in whose name we pray. Amen.

A prayer after gun violence (ACS p. 49)
God, our healer and our refuge, we pray for all who suffer from gun violence. With your mercy, bind up their wounds, restore their bodies, and heal their hearts. Comfort the mourners and embrace the lonely. With your might, empower us to change this broken world. Make us advocates for a stable society, alive with hope in you. We ask this through the one once wounded for our transgressions and now standing with us in our sorrows, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 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.

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.

Music that Makes Community

Music that Makes Community practices communal song-sharing that inspires deep spiritual connection, brave shared leadership, and sparks the possibility of transformation in our world.

Our late summer and fall offerings are now updated on the website, including a special offering at Holden Village, our annual Advent Worship Planning Webinar, a Three-Day Retreat in Albuquerque, and in-person events in Seattle, the Boston area, and Chicago.

Visit the MMC calendar to learn more and register!

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

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

Treasures All Around: Hymns Reimagined for Native Ears”
August 25, 2 PM, Eastern time
Omaldo Perez

Register at alcm.org/2023-webinar-series/ to watch live and receive recordings of past webinars. Members — $25; Non-Members — $39.

One-day workshops for musicians to learn new skills, share best practices, and build relationships.

Workshops scheduled all across the country.  Sign up for upcoming events.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival

Archive recordings from concerts, recitals, and worship services from LSM 2023 are now available.

A complete schedule and links to archive recordings are available at lsmacademy.org/2023.  

Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources

Augsburg Fortress is an imprint of 1517 Media, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Preaching to the Choir: The Care and Nurture of the Church Choir, Second Edition

As choir directors and music leaders look forward to musical groups resuming rehearsals in the fall, be prepared with this Second Edition of Preaching to the Choir. Wayne Wold offers practical tips and pastoral wisdom and inspiration for all who lead choirs or musical groups.

Gather Together

Lectionary Mosaics

Sale on ELW Gift and Pocket Editions

Luther’s Small Catechism App