Remember people who have served or are currently serving in the military, and give thanks for their service and sacrifices. Pray for military chaplains, caregivers, congregational and synod programs, and special ministries that care for veterans and their families.
Read MoreRejoice and give thanks that in God all have life — eternal, abundant and renewed life for doing God’s work in the world and serving our neighbor now.
Read MoreGive thanks that when we confess our sins, the good we have failed to do and our misbehaviors to God, we are met with mercy and forgiveness.
Read MoreRemember in prayer students who find school challenging or difficult, and pray that the people in their lives will be patient, encouraging, creative and skilled in understanding the unique ways in which we each learn.
Read MorePray for the leaders of our church who serve on the ELCA Church Council. Ask the Spirit to guide their work of enabling and supporting our church as we strive to do God’s work in the world with thoughtfulness, integrity, respect and partnerships that share a common vision.
Read MoreEntrusted with sharing the gospel and doing God’s work in the world, pray that we will be faithful in our baptismal calling and encourage one another in following the word and ways of God.
Read MoreSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center is honored to welcome Bishop Jim Hazelwood, from the New England Synod ELCA! He has just published a new book, Everyday Spirituality...Discover a Life of Hope, Peace and Meaning. He will be using this book as the basis for leading the retreat, February 18-20, 2020. Download the flyer or visit the website for more info.
Read MorePray for the leaders of our communities, states and nation, that they will ground their priorities, decisions, work and legislative actions in concern for justice, the environment, the well-being of people in need and the diverse contexts and communities in our country.
Read MorePray for people living with and recovering from the devastation and loss of life in the Bahamas and along the southeastern coast of the United States following Hurricane Dorian, and for Texas communities similarly suffering from flooding caused by Tropical Storm Imelda. Ask God to give these people strength and hope, resources for recovery and, during this time of vulnerability, protection from subsequent storms. Ask the Spirit to stir our caring support, generosity and volunteer service during short- and long-term recovery efforts.
Read MoreAsk God to help us be fearless and radical in our love and service, following the example of Jesus by demonstrating love, respect, empathy, mercy and active concern for all, especially for people suffering poverty, hunger and illness, those forgotten and neglected, and our enemies.
Read MoreGive thanks for the gifts and witness of American Indian and Alaska Native members of the ELCA. Pray for native congregations and ministries and the work of the American Indian and Alaska Native Lutheran Association, all grounded in reconciliation and the mutual building up of the saints — people of all backgrounds, tribes, regions, communities, congregations and unique needs.
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 MoreGive thanks for people passed from this life who have cared for us, inspired our dreams, nurtured our faith, and equipped and encouraged us for the challenges of life, and who have boldly exemplified compassion, justice, mercy and generosity.
Read MoreAll Rostered Ministers in the ELCA are invited to join colleagues under the theme of "Rekindle the gift within you" (2 Timothy 1:6).
Let this gathering be an opportunity for you to remember, reclaim, rekindle and revive yourself. All rostered ministers are invited (active in call, on leave from call, awaiting call, retired). More information.
Read MoreRemember the reforming work and teachings of Martin Luther, who sought to re-center the church, its theology and its practices in Scripture and the gospel. Pray that the church today will always discern how best to participate in God’s work in the world, to share the gospel in changing contexts and to reform our church, its practices and its traditions in response to the stirrings of the Holy Spirit for the sake of mission.
Read MoreIdentity theft has become a common problem in the United States, with an estimated 9 million people affected annually, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Here are important tips to protect your identity. Read the full article from Church Mutual »
Read MoreYou are encouraged to host a service of commemoration for the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, November 9.
Invite your congregation to break down walls. Schedule your service of commemoration next month. Share your prayers on social media with #BreakingDownWalls. Find resources in the Breaking Down Walls toolkit here.
Read MorePortico has updates on changes to the ELCA Benefits Plan, the annual enrollment, and earning Wellness Dollars by November 30.
Read MorePray for the witness of the nine young people serving alongside the Lutheran Church of Australia as part of the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program; the Rev. Kim Crawford and Rev. Henry Martinez, YAGM country coordinators; and the Rev. Sara Bishop, ELCA missionary serving in parish ministry.
Read MoreGive thanks for the message of the apostle Paul — which had a profound impact on Martin Luther and the foundational beliefs of our church — that we are all flawed and broken human beings yet are reconciled to God by God’s gift of mercy and love in Jesus Christ.
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