We understand well Paul’s struggle between the inclinations of human nature and following the ways of God and teachings of Jesus. Pray for forgiveness and strengthened faith when we are weak or make poor decisions; pray that we will be guided and encouraged by the Spirit of God that dwells within us.
Read MorePray for wisdom and patience as we navigate how to gather as congregations and discern what is appropriate, safe, caring and respectful of the ongoing concerns of our members, communities and nation.
Read MoreGive thanks that God’s love and truth are revealed to us through faith in Jesus Christ and that the Spirit is at work inspiring and equipping us to share the good news, spread truth and invite others to believe.
Read MoreLiberating God, we give you thanks for this country in which we live. We give you thanks that you have guided us to this point in our history. Remind us of our heritage and those who have struggled to help us live up to the ideals of what we should stand for. Deliver us from arrogance. Help us to remember that you are God of all nations and peoples. As stories of freedom and struggles are told this day, make us bold enough to be revolutionary in our faith. May we pursue liberty and justice, not just for ourselves, but for all.
Read MoreAsk God to help us cherish and not abuse the blessings of freedom and liberty, work to change our society where there is injustice and oppression, and accompany our global neighbors and companion churches striving for freedom, justice and voice.
Read MoreAsk the Spirit to help us express our gratitude and concern for first responders, nurses, doctors and hospital employees, and to show us how to serve as God’s hands and voice in caring for their spiritual, physical and emotional needs.
Read MoreWe pray for Pastor Doris Nolan, Transitional Associate Pastor at Desert Cross Lutheran Church, who has been diagnosed with uterine cancer.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30
Read MoreGive thanks for God’s ever-present love and care, and for the message of the psalmist who proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Read MoreThese 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 view the ELCA resource page.
Read MoreAs this time of stress and uncertainty continues, pray that we will be persistent in our generous support for the mission of the church: comforting and caring for our neighbors, responding to the global impact of the pandemic, providing food and basic necessities for people in need, reaching out to the isolated and lonely, and aiding organizations that work for the health, well-being and restoration of our communities.
Read MoreThere may be times when we feel God has forgotten us or is ignoring us. Pray that God will forgive us when we are weak or doubtful, and ask the Spirit to restore our trust in God’s steadfast love and concern.
Read MoreGive thanks for doctors, researchers and scientists throughout the world who have committed their lives to treating, preventing and eliminating diseases and to sharing their discoveries with the world for the health and well-being of all people.
Read MorePray that every person we encounter in daily life will glimpse the Spirit dwelling within us ― an infectious spirit of kindness, justice, humility and love.
Read MoreAsk for the Spirit to guide the deliberation, dialogue and work of ELCA members, leaders and churchwide staff as they draft a social message on government and civic engagement, to be presented to the ELCA Church Council this year.
Read MoreAsk God to help us walk in the newness of life and freedom from sin we have through our baptism into the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Read MoreGive thanks for the creeds and confessions of our church that have helped us proclaim, teach and affirm our Christian faith throughout the ages. Pray that when we recite the creeds during worship, we will reflect on our membership in the body of Christ and on the truths central to our faith.
Read MoreJohn the Baptist Sometimes we think of John the Baptist as a little wild and fanatical in sharing the good news of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Give thanks for whoever introduced you to Jesus, and pray for confidence and enthusiasm in sharing your faith and talking about Jesus in your own words.
Read MorePray for patience, comfort and courage: “O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. With your faithful help rescue me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. Do not let the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up.”
Read MorePray for our global companions, their ministries and the people they serve in this time of sickness and death, economic upheaval, social uncertainty and slow recovery.
Read MoreLiving as children of God and followers of Christ is not always easy or well received by others. Pray that we will find comfort and courage in knowing that God abides with us, knows our every struggle and joy, and surrounds us with love and peace that are impossible to break or obstruct.
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