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Ezekiel confronted the Israelites for their resistance to change and to God’s ways of fairness. He rejected their arguments that change was too difficult, that they were acting only as they were raised and that he needed to live in the real world. Pray that we will repent, embrace God’s peace and justice, and heed God’s command, through Ezekiel, to “get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!”

Pray for individuals and families trying to immigrate to our nation or seeking asylum and safety as they face changing laws, complicated procedures and unwelcoming situations and people. Pray that the love of God dwelling within us will move us to step forward and practice hospitality, compassion, understanding and empathy as bold advocates who accompany immigrants and refugees during their difficult and confusing experiences.

Michael and All Angels There is so much we do not fully comprehend about heaven, earth and the means ― including angels and divine beings ― by which God has interacted with us throughout human history. Pray that our faith and the inspiration of the Spirit will open our minds, hearts and imaginations to the infinite, mysterious and awesome ways that God is present and at work in the world.

Pray for our seminaries, colleges, universities and campus ministries as they work to create new approaches to education, fostering community among students and faculty when they cannot be physically present. Pray that we will be generous in supporting ELCA educational institutions and student ministries that are vital to our church and society.

Pray for the Spirit to help us recognize, trust and appreciate God’s authority and power over all creation, the universe and our everyday lives.

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.” Give thanks to God and tell everyone about God’s grace, mercy and wonderful works for the sake of the world — works we are called to join in together as children of God.

Remember in prayer the leaders, voting members and others gathering online for the Saint Paul Area 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.

Pray for our siblings in Christ in Asia and the Pacific region, that we might support each other, share our resources and spread the gospel across diverse cultures and languages, growing the church by working for justice, training and supporting leaders, and responding to the needs of communities.

Ask the Spirit to help and inspire us as we deliver messages of hope, joy, truth, unity, positive change and God’s kindness in the world.

Pray that reflecting on the ways and word of God will help us understand how God’s amazing grace and forgiveness are directed toward all humanity, including people we judge to be undeserving or beyond saving. Remember the undeserved gifts of love, forgiveness, new life and salvation we have received through Jesus Christ, and give thanks and praise to God.

Thank God for our special relationship with the Moravian Church in America, a full communion partner with the ELCA since 1999. Pray for the church, its diverse ministries and its members and leaders, and pray that together we will find mutual support, new partnerships and new resources for the work of sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor.

Pray that our acts of generosity will be driven by our faith, without partiality, restraint, the promise of reward or recognition, or the expectation of earning God’s favor.

Reflect on members of your congregation and community and pray for specific people who are grieving, celebrating or trying to sort out their lives right now, or who simply could use our thanks and gratitude.

When forgiving someone is difficult, pray for the patience and mercy toward others that Jesus describes to Peter — the same inexhaustible patience and mercy God has demonstrated toward us.

Give thanks for the good we do together through ELCA World Hunger and our partners, responding to the critical needs of people everywhere. Pray that our work will bring hope and relief to communities in need and will foster sustainable solutions that get at the root causes of hunger and poverty.

As children of God, give thanks and bless the Lord for being “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”