May 2019 Daily Prayer Ventures

These petitions are offered as guides 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. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church. Download a Word doc, or PDF for letter size printout or legal size printout, or read on the GCS news blog.

1 Throughout Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, give thanks for the rich history, gifts, influence and contributions to our nation of our Asian and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters. Ask God to bless and further the work and witness of ELCA Asian and Pacific Islander Ministries and the Association of Asians and Pacific Islanders.

2 National Day of Prayer Encourage individuals, congregations and communities to pray, asking the Spirit to help us — and our nation — follow Jesus’ instruction to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

3 Remember in prayer the leaders, voting members and others gathered for the assemblies of the Southeastern Pennsylvania, Rocky Mountain, Northeastern Minnesota and Minneapolis synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in doing God’s work in the world, proclaiming the gospel and growing the church.

4 Remember in prayer the leaders, voting members and others gathered for the assemblies of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, Western Iowa and Arkansas-Oklahoma synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in doing God’s work in the world, proclaiming the gospel and growing the church.

5 How will we react when God calls us to do something or go someplace new and unfamiliar? Pray that we will follow where the spirit of God leads, find companions in ministry to work with and invite others to join in doing God’s work in the world.

6 Pray for students who are taking final exams and anticipating employment, further education, or vocations of leadership in the church or military service. Ask God to grant them comfort and reassurance in times of stress and uncertainty, and to provide supportive, attentive and loving people in their lives.

7 Ask God to bless and energize our church’s commitment to wholeness for creation in collaboration with ecoAmerica and its Blessed Tomorrow program, which helps faith-based organizations care for creation and elevate their leadership on climate change as a moral, religious and justice issue.

8 The ELCA International Camp Counselor Program, partnering with Lutheran Outdoor Ministries and ELCA Global Mission, trains up to 40 Lutheran young adults from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Pray for these young adults, who serve as leaders and global partners in our summer camp programs. Give thanks for the faith, gifts, leadership skills and global perspectives they bring to their work with children, youth and adults.

9 God worked miraculous changes in the heart, mind and life of Saul that he might spread the gospel, grow the church and serve his neighbor as the reborn apostle Paul. Give thanks for how God calls us by name, equips us for ministry and service, and reaffirms that there is a place and purpose for everyone in the church, the body of Christ.

10 Remember in prayer the leaders, voting members and others gathered for the assemblies of the Oregon, Pacifica and Southeastern Iowa synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in doing God’s work in the world, proclaiming the gospel and growing the church.

11 Remember in prayer the leaders, voting members and others gathered for the assembly of the Sierra Pacific Synod, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in doing God’s work in the world, proclaiming the gospel and growing the church.

12 Pray that we will trust that Jesus is the true son of God and will be faithful and fearless in following his examples and teachings revealed to us in Scripture.

13 Remember in prayer the ELCA’s work of using innovative models for starting new congregations and ministries in a diverse and changing world as we seek to grow God’s church, welcome all God’s people and equip our neighbors with both spiritual and physical sustenance.

14 Thank God for being a loving and ever-present shepherd who restores us, stirs our courage, strengthens our faith and guides us through the challenges and joys of life.

15 Give thanks for ELCA campus ministry, communities of faith that accompany students in their journeys of faith, education, service and discerning vocation at more than 180 state and private colleges and universities and at an additional 400 schools nationwide with assistance from congregations.

16 Remember in prayer the leaders, voting members and others gathered for the assemblies of the Northern Great Lakes, East-Central Synod of Wisconsin, North/West Lower Michigan and Metropolitan New York synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in doing God’s work in the world, proclaiming the gospel and growing the church.

17 Remember in prayer the leaders, voting members and others gathered for the assemblies of the Saint Paul Area, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast and Southeast Michigan synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in doing God’s work in the world, proclaiming the gospel and growing the church.

18 Remember in prayer the leaders, voting members and others gathered for the assemblies of the Northwest Washington and Eastern Washington-Idaho synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in doing God’s work in the world, proclaiming the gospel and growing the church.

19 Pray that, as the body of Christ, we encourage one another and work together to follow Jesus’ words in our daily lives: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

20 Remember in prayer people who are traveling across the country in search of seasonal employment. Pray that they find employment, fair wages, fulfillment of basic needs for housing and food, and welcoming congregations that understand the unique needs of seasonal workers.

21 Give thanks for the special skills, creativity and enthusiasm of people who write blogs, online stories, social media posts and newsletters that help communicate how congregations, synods, the churchwide organization, ecumenical partners and related organizations are sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, serving our neighbor and working together for justice, peace, mercy and healing in the world.

22 Ask God to make us bold, persistent advocates and agents in society to end gun violence across our nation, for the sake of our neighbor’s well-being and out of gratitude and respect for the fragile gift of life.

23 Pray that our vision of the church and its mission will be broadened by the knowledge that the word of God and the good news of Jesus Christ are meant for all people and all nations.

24 Pray that the ELCA Guardian Angel and Welcoming Congregation programs will flourish and continue to expand across our nation as part of our church’s strategy to support and accompany — physically and spiritually — migrant children and families through their immigration court process.

25 Praise God’s infinite power, glory and presence as reflected in our life experiences and every aspect of nature and creation.

26 Give thanks for the gift of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, sent to remind us of Jesus’ teachings and God’s love, and to stir our faith, peace and courage when we are troubled or fearful.

27 Give thanks and praise God for the significant and lasting impact of Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. Pray that we will build upon what it has accomplished and continue to be generous in supporting new and existing programs and ministries that serve our neighbor, nurture new leaders and grow the church.

28 Pray with joy and thanksgiving, for God is gracious and generous in blessing us, and God’s saving power stretches to every corner of the earth.

29 Pray for more than 3,500 summer camp staff and volunteers as they prepare to serve in ELCA outdoor ministries as role models, affirming and encouraging the faith of campers — of all ages and abilities — and guiding them toward the paths and ways of God throughout life.

30 Remember in prayer the leaders, voting members and others gathered for the assemblies of the South Dakota, Nebraska, Upstate New York, Delaware- Maryland and North Carolina synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in doing God’s work in the world, proclaiming the gospel and growing the church.

31 Remember in prayer the leaders, voting members and others gathered for the assemblies of the South Carolina, Southeastern, Southwest California, Southeastern Minnesota, Greater Milwaukee and West Virginia-Western Maryland synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in doing God’s work in the world, proclaiming the gospel and growing the church.

This resource may be copied and shared among members and friends of the congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Contact info@elca.org for additional information. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631-4101. Telephone: 800-638-3522, ext. 2458.