Copyright © 2026 Women of the ELCA. Reprint permission is granted for use in Women of the ELCA units, clusters/conferences and synodical women’s organizations provided each post is reproduced in its entirety. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.

God, when we gather for worship, we say the words of the Creed, attesting to your work in the communion of saints. During the prayers of the church, we ask you to continue to buttress this mystic, sweet communion in clear and tangible ways. During the sending, we are sent out to serve, strengthened by you to live into our baptismal callings to pursue justice and mercy for Christ’s sake and the glory of God.

Holy Paraclete, come alongside us in our prayerful words and deeds. We, in our human lives, can feel frozen with fear and indecision. We grieve the fracturing of our friend groups and our community, and the high cost of discipleship. At the same time, by your inspiration, we know that things are happening around us that cause greater pain and despair. Grant us wisdom and courage for these days and hours. May our praying hands and feet, our phone calls and our dollars, our allyship and endurance become a bright witness to your holy presence in this world, at this time.

This message is excerpted from “Life-giving Spirit” by Julia Seymour in the June/July/August 2025 Gather magazine.