Pray that God’s righteousness, justice, peace and compassion for the poor and oppressed will flourish in the world, and that we will be bold and persistent in doing God’s work together.
Read MoreGive thanks that we are freed by our faith to serve our neighbor and affect change in our communities, nation and world — change that is grounded in the gospel and God’s vision of justice, compassion, healing and peace for all people.
Read MoreThe “Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent” is a public apology offered by our church in the context of the quadricentennial remembrance of slavery in this country. With faith in God’s forgiveness and mercy, pray that we will be unconflicted in our repentance, committed to understanding injustice and racism, and bold and persistent in working to end racism and white supremacy wherever they exist, including in the church.
Read MorePray for clarity and faith in the lifelong baptismal journey for which the Holy Spirit calls, renews and equips us — a journey for the sake of the world.
Read MoreWhen you see an Advent wreath, reflect on the circle of evergreen branches and give thanks for the gift of eternal life we have in Jesus Christ — the promised Messiah, born for the sake of the world.
Read MoreRemember in prayer Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) and the other hospitals in East Jerusalem. AVH is owned and operated by the Lutheran World Federation and supported by several of its member churches, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Pray that our government will restore funding vital to the safe and effective operation of the East Jerusalem hospitals as soon as possible so that patients — especially children, who are particularly at risk — will continue to receive the treatment and care they need.
Read MoreRemember in prayer Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) and the other hospitals in East Jerusalem. AVH is owned and operated by the Lutheran World Federation and supported by several of its member churches, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Pray that our government will restore funding vital to the safe and effective operation of the East Jerusalem hospitals as soon as possible so that patients — especially children, who are particularly at risk — will continue to receive the treatment and care they need.
Read MorePray that we awake each day, putting on Jesus Christ and shining as a light in the world, a brilliant light that shines with good news, love, justice, compassion and peace.
Read MoreToday, many scientists see our changing weather patterns, diminished arctic ice, increasing ocean temperatures, 500-year floods every four years, mass extinctions, and forest fires as desperate calls to action. Just a century ago, miners kept caged birds in the tunnels to warn of deadly mine gasses. According to climate activists, nations and industries are ignoring the warning signs and heading deeper into the mine.
Read MorePause each day to reflect prayerfully on the symbols, traditions and practices — ancient and new — that we see and experience throughout Advent and Christmas. Give thanks for everything that centers our attention on the good news of Jesus Christ, deepens our faith as loved and redeemed children of God, and inspires and guides our baptismal journey.
Read MorePause each day to reflect prayerfully on the symbols, traditions and practices — ancient and new — that we see and experience throughout Advent and Christmas. Give thanks for everything that centers our attention on the good news of Jesus Christ, deepens our faith as loved and redeemed children of God, and inspires and guides our baptismal journey.
Read MoreLift up prayers of thanks and praise for this season of anticipation, remembrance and celebration of Jesus Christ — God’s awesome gift of love and redemption for all humanity.
Read MoreGive thanks to God for rescuing us from the power of darkness and bringing us into the light of new life in Jesus Christ — our Lord and savior, head of our church and the one who has reconciled us to God.
Read MoreOn “Black Friday” — a day of sales, buying and consumption — take time to reflect prayerfully on the difference between wants and needs, on generosity toward our neighbors, on stewardship of wealth and abundance, on everything God has entrusted to us, and on our true identity as children of God who are loved, forgiven and granted a new vision of life.
Read MoreThe circuit preacher was an idea of the frontier past. Now it’s the cutting-edge response to shrinking churches.
Read MoreGive thanks for the abundant resources God has entrusted to us, and for family, friends and other people who bless and enrich our lives. Give thanks that the spirit of God is generous, compassionate and fair, and that our unique gifts and abilities are brought together in the body of Christ for the sake of the world, especially those in need who have been neglected.
Read More42 rostered leaders from ELCA’s Region 2 of the ELCA (the Southwestern United States) gathered in San Diego CA, for First Call Theological Education.
New pastors and deacons are encouraged to participate in additional education opportunities for up to 3 years after ordination/consecration in order to build collegiality, foster pastoral identity and increase skills specific to ministry.
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 MorePray for people who suffer hunger, food insecurity or lack of access to the nutrition necessary for life and health. Ask that the Holy Spirit will move us to bring relief, instill hope and end hunger and poverty wherever it exists.
Read MoreGive thanks that — despite war, conflict, hunger, poverty, suffering, illness and injustice — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Pray that we will be emboldened by this grace-filled promise and reality to help and strengthen our neighbors in every situation and corner of the world.
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