Pray that our church’s relationships with the Lutheran World Federation, the World Council of Churches and the National Council of the Churches of Christ will continue to grow, and that we will share resources and utilize people’s diverse voices and gifts to do God’s work in the world and serve our neighbor.
Read MorePraise God! Give thanks that Jesus — the light and truth given for the world — sets us free from sin and the bondage of death, and transforms us for lives of love, mercy, peacemaking, serving our neighbor and sharing the good news with everyone.
Read MoreGive thanks for musicians, composers and writers who share their gifts and skills to help us give expression to our faith and worship and to praise God together through hymns, music, songs and liturgies.
Read MoreWith humility and gratitude, give thanks to God, the creator of all that exists, for being our sure and trustworthy help throughout life.
Read MoreGive thanks for the ELCA’s long-standing commitment to interreligious and ecumenical relations that promote understanding among Christians and greater unity among Christ’s people.
Read MoreIt is important to know which records and information a congregation or synod should keep and which can be removed. Some records need to be maintained permanently, and others can be discarded periodically.
Read MorePray 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.
Read MorePray 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.
Read MoreLook around and listen to the people you have encountered today. Remember in your prayers their joys, struggles, questions and sorrows.
Read MorePray 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.
Read MorePray 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.
Read MorePray 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.
Read MoreMy parents moved to the United States from India in 1970. My mom was a newlywed and eighteen years old. Just a few months after marrying my dad, they packed up two suitcases, with $200 dollars to their names, and boarded a plane to travel halfway across the world. My parents were strangers in a strange land.
Read MoreRemember 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.
Read MoreWith the myriad of wireless devices in constant use, many churches provide Wi-Fi for the convenience of employees and guests. However, this complimentary benefit can come with a heavy price if security is taken for granted. You may want to forward this information to your IT support specialist before deciding to provide Wi-Fi access to your congregation.
Read MorePray 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.
Read MoreSt. 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.
Read MoreRemember 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.
Read MoreJust 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.
Read MoreAsk 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.
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