“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 in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…
For renewal in the church and in the hearts of all Christians, as we follow Jesus in ways of healing, compassion, forgiveness, and concrete acts of love for our neighbors…
For victims of extremist attacks in Turkey…
For the safety of those targeted by politically-motivated violence in Arizona…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Fall City, Washington…
For the United States in this divided political season, for all who are exercising their right to vote, and for safety for all election workers…
For the triumph of truth over falsehood, and for all working diligently to combat misinformation and manipulation in our politics, media, and public discourse…
For continued relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton…
In gratitude for ELCA partner ministries, who accompany communities around the world in order to alleviate suffering, promote well-being, rebuild after destruction, and work tirelessly for the dignity and flourishing of all…
Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in October: Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15), ADHD Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, World Bullying Prevention Month, LGBT History Month
James of Jerusalem, martyr, died around 62 (Oct 23)
Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah (Judaism, Oct 24)
Philipp Nicolai, died 1608; Johann Heermann, died 1647; Paul Gerhardt, died 1676; hymnwriters (Oct 26)
Reformation Sunday (Oct 27)
Simon and Jude, Apostles (Oct 28)
Reformation Day (Oct 31)
Diwali (Hindu, Oct 31)
All Saints Day (Nov 1)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
Prayer of the Day for Reformation Day (ELW p. 58):
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic church. Fill it with all truth and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in need, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
A prayer for those in despair (ACS p. 52):
Loving God, inspire by your Holy Spirit those who are afraid of losing hope (especially _____, for whom we now pray). Give them a fresh vision of your love, that they may find again what they fear has been lost. Grant them your powerful deliverance; through the one who makes all things new, Jesus Christ our Redeemer. 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
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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.
