National Hispanic Heritage Month Give thanks to God for the gifts, history, contributions and rich cultural diversity of our Latino brothers and sisters, and pray for the growth and vitality of the 147 ELCA Latino ministries and the Latino Association (Asociación Ministerios Latinos ELCA) as they share the good news of Jesus Christ, encourage our unity in him and promote Christian values that unite Latinos of the ELCA as a “community of communities.”
Read MorePray for our pastors, our youth and family ministers, our congregational leaders and our synod staff as they earn new things amid difficult times. Give thanks for the work of the Spirit in equipping leaders with new skills, new perspectives and renewed creativity for sharing the gospel, building up the church and doing God’s work in the world.
Read More“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday Pray that our congregations, together with neighboring congregations, ecumenical and interreligious partners, community organizations and Lutheran agencies, will respond daily to the endless opportunities for serving our neighbor and addressing critical social needs, loving our neighbors and making our communities stronger, healthier and more hopeful.
Read MorePray that, with the assurance of God’s forgiveness and our salvation, we will experience the freedom to love and value our neighbor, living with purpose and a sense of each day’s importance.
Read MoreRemember in prayer the leaders, voting members and others gathering online for the Northeastern Ohio Synod Assembly, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in choosing leaders, proclaiming the gospel, growing the church, serving our neighbor and doing God’s work in an ever-changing world.
Read MoreDuring this anniversary year, marking a half century of Lutheran women being ordained in the United States, give thanks for the gifts and service that women pastors have brought to our church and our world; lament that women have been barred from serving and have been bullied, dismissed and excluded; ask forgiveness; and resolve that we will welcome, encourage and respect women of all ages and backgrounds as they respond to God’s call to ministry and service.
Read MoreRemember in prayer our siblings in Christ and companions in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Pray that we will support each other ― through prayer, generosity and sharing of resources ― to spread the gospel, train and support leaders, respond to the needs of communities, work for justice and grow the church.
Read MorePray that the Spirit might help us understand and follow the ways and commandments of God for the well-being of humanity, and that our life together might shine with justice, compassion, unity, care for those who suffer and a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ.
Read MorePray for farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers as they struggle through the pandemic. Ask God to bless every aspect of their work, from planning and planting to tending crops and animals to harvesting and distributing their bounty, which feeds the world.
Read MoreConflict and hurtful actions are part of our human nature and experience — in the church, in society and in the world. Ask God to grant us humility, concern for one another and, when there is conflict, the courage to foreswear vengeance, engage each other and work toward truth, understanding, reconciliation and unity.
Read MorePray that, as Election Day grows closer, our conversations, deliberations and decisions will be guided by our faith, the teachings of Jesus, and our concern for justice, reconciliation, unity and the well-being of all people and communities.
Read MoreIn the name of the God who creates every human being out of love, and remembering the ELCA social teaching that “the God who justifies expects all people to do justice,” pray that more Christians will enter into public conversation about and take action to safeguard the dignity due to all children of God.
Read MoreWe pray for Paul Gryniewicz, synod council vice-president, who is in the hospital for heart issues.
O Lord, your compassions never fail and your mercies are new every morning. We give you thanks for giving our brother Paul both relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in him the good work you have begun; that he, daily increasing in bodily strength and rejoicing in your goodness, may so order his life and conduct that he may always think and do those things that please you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Read MorePlease pray for seminarians from across the Grand Canyon Synod. We give you thanks, O God, for the people you call to the ministries of word, sacrament, and service. Amen.
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary: Veronica Alvarez, Luis Ochoa, Julie Gerrish
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago: Morgan Kaus, Gail Kenny
Luther Seminary: Lourdes Olson, Jennie Smith, Daniel Weichart
Wartburg Seminary: Glenn Schrader, Judi Tyler, Daniel Volkmann
United Lutheran Seminary: Cari States-Codding
There is no better time than right now for us to hold on to what is good, treat one another with respect, extend hospitality to strangers and those different from ourselves, seek peace, and care for our neighbors, including our enemies. Pray for strength, empathy, compassion and boldness in our faith and daily life as we follow Jesus.
Read MoreSeptember often marks a time of beginning, with students starting school, congregations launching programs and creation transitioning into a new season. But due to the pandemic, this year is different, presenting challenges we have not faced before. Pray that the Spirit will grant us wisdom, creativity and patience as we seek new ways of being church together, attend to the needs of children and youth, care for one another and fight the spread of COVID-19.
Read MoreGive thanks and take comfort in knowing that God is trustworthy and unwavering in remembering and accompanying us every moment of our lives — in our joy, suffering and complicated situations.
Read MorePray for synod leaders and committees as they carefully plan assemblies rescheduled for this fall or next year. Remember that our strength and unity in Christ transcend traditional places, methods or times of gathering — we are the church, the body of Christ, in every setting and circumstance.
Read MoreGive thanks that we have been transformed and made new through God’s love for us and our baptism in Jesus Christ. Pray that the living word of Jesus will guide our baptismal journeys so that we extend hospitality to strangers, love and serve our neighbor, overcome evil with good, accompany people who are suffering and in pain, and disavow vengeance and hate.
Read MoreIn this presidential campaign year, pray that our leaders and candidates will serve all people, especially those in the greatest need; work to heal wounds and divisions in society; strive for justice and equality; and seek change for the well-being and prosperity of our communities. Pray that our faith, wisdom and concern for neighbors and global companions will guide our discernment and decisions in upcoming elections.
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