For what shall we pray?
“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 elected officials in the United States during the transition of power…
For an end to violence and armed conflict in the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon, and Haiti…
For Gisele Pelicot and all survivors of sexual assault…
For those working for more democratic governments in the world, especially the Hong Kong 47…
For the Maori people and all indigenous peoples fighting for their rights…
For severe weather threats in the Pacific Northwest…
For all who fight against racism, anti-semitism, gender bias, and all forms of inequity and discrimination…
For the reign of Christ to prevail, that God’s kingdom come and will be done on earth as in heaven…
Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in November: National Veterans and Military Families Month, National Adoption Awareness Month, National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Prematurity Awareness Month
Clement, Bishop of Rome, died around 100 (Nov. 23)
Miguel Agustín Pro, martyr, died 1927 (Nov. 23)
Justus Falckner, died 1723; Jehu Jones, died 1852; William Passavant, died 1894; pastors in North America (Nov. 24)
Isaac Watts, hymnwriter, died 1748 (Nov. 25)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the nation (ELW p.77)
Holy Trinity, one God, you show us the splendor of diversity and the beauty of unity in your own divine life. Make us, who came from many nations with many languages, a united people that delights in our many different gifts. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with authority the spirit of wisdom, that there might be justice and peace in our land. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our sovereign and our Savior. Amen.
A prayer for faithful living in society (ACS)
Sovereign God, your Son Jesus lived within the structures of society even as he spoke truth to those in power and challenged systems of oppression. Empower us to be courageous disciples and responsible citizens. Grant that our life in the public realm be grounded in love for our neighbors, care for the most vulnerable in our midst, and respect for the common life we share, following the example of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 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.
