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Pray that we will be bold witnesses, evangelists and teachers inspired, equipped and sent by the Spirit and our sisters and brothers in Christ to proclaim the gospel and to counsel, encourage and help people to discern truth from falsehood.

Pray for the Lutheran World Federation’s global study of contemporary Lutheran identities as they are lived in the local contexts of Lutheran churches, and for the leaders now gathering for “We Believe in the Holy Spirit: Global Perspectives on Lutheran Identity,” a global consultation hosted by the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Look around and listen to the people you have encountered today. Remember in your prayers their joys, struggles, questions and sorrows.

Pray that the Spirit will make us persistent and fearless in our prayers, especially on behalf of people who long for justice, mercy, peace and relief from suffering.

Pray that we will seek ways of supporting and affirming youth and family ministers in their work of faith formation, equipping young people with life skills, engaging young people in service, supporting parents and inspiring and encouraging new leaders.

Pray for the countries of Central America, especially for children and youth who are traumatized by violence and have fled to other countries; for an end to gang violence and drug trafficking; for a more just distribution of wealth; and for Christians and communities of faith to have courage and persistence in living out the gospel.

Remember God’s just and merciful works throughout history, the help and compassion we receive, the gifts and resources that sustain our lives, and the new covenant made with us in Jesus Christ.

Pray for the members who serve on their congregation councils, that God will help them lead with wisdom, vision and compassion as they guide and manage their communities of faith for mission.

St. Theresa was known for her life of contemplation and prayer, her theological reflection and writing, and her strong identification with people suffering poverty and illness. Remember the people who have helped shape our faith, values and life, and pray that, through the work of the Spirit, our faith, example and service will have a positive influence on our neighbors, the church, society and the world.

Remember in prayer our ELCA missionaries working in education, evangelism, parish ministries, and lay and pastoral leadership development with our companions in Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Norway and the United Kingdom.

Just as the one leper returned to thank and praise Jesus for healing him, we pray that we, too, will be eager to thank, praise and worship God for God’s miraculous, awesome love and healing presence in our lives.

Ask for God’s help to resist the temptations of envy and greed that draw us away from trusting God and committing our lives and endeavors to God.

We are a church that believes the God-given gifts of science and technology should be used to respect and promote communities, life and human dignity. Pray that the Spirit will guide us in conversations about how faith and science intersect and that we will be mindful of the impact of technology — intended and unintended — on humanity and creation.

Thank God for the ways our church engages its members and leaders in discernment, biblical study and reflection, prayerful decisions and commitments, and teachings that help us grow in understanding of how our faith intersects with daily life and society. Pray that the recently approved social statement Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action will guide and inspire us to act on a range of issues, including gender-based violence, workplace discrimination and economic inequality.

Consider how our faith in Jesus Christ, God’s grace, the word of God, the witness of other people of faith and the calling we have through our baptism has influenced and changed us — and give thanks!