News

During 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.

Remember 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.

Pray 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.

Pray 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.

Conflict 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.

Pray 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.

In 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.