For What Shall We Pray?
Prayer prompts:
For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Dallas, TX, and other acts of violence, including Pittsburgh, PA…
For all in the path of Typhoon Ragasa…
For the work of the United Nations as they meet in assembly…
For political transition in Malawi…
For those managing brush fires in Hawaii…
In gratitude for the diversity of human gifts, experiences, and abilities that all reflect God’s image…
Events and observances:
September Observances: National Literacy Month, Suicide Prevention Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 to Oct 15)
Rosh Hashanah, Judaism (Sept 22-24)
Durga Puja, Hinduism (Sept 28-Oct 2)
Michael and All Angels (Sept 29)
Jerome, translator, teacher, died 420 (Sept 30)
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 for the sake of conscience (ELW)
God of faithfulness, you bless those who are persecuted. Strengthen those who suffer for the sake of conscience. When they are accused, save them from speaking in hate; when they are rejected, save them from bitterness; when they are imprisoned, save them from despair. Give us grace to respect their witness and to discern the truth, that our society may be cleansed and strengthened; for the sake of our merciful and righteous judge, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“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.
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.
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.