For What Shall We Pray? 5/30/2023
Prayer prompts:
For victims of recent gun violence, especially in Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Arizona, Washington, New Mexico, California, Georgia, and Washington D.C….
For victims of the apartment building collapse in Davenport, Iowa…
For renewed humility and cooperation among government leaders and across political parties…
For protection for all people facing threats of violence, abuse, and harassment, especially marginalized communities…
For peace among nations, especially between Ukraine/Russia, Israel/Palestine, and Serbia/Kosovo, Syria, Israel, Palestine…
For nations in leadership transition and nations finishing elections, including Turkey, Nigeria, Spain, and Alberta, Canada…
For the ELCA and all leaders, congregations, and members who gather for Synod Assemblies this season…
For safety and joy at upcoming Pride celebrations across the nation…
Events and observances:
Monthly observances in June: Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month; Pride Month; Gun Violence Awareness Month; African American Music Appreciation Month
Justin, martyr at Rome, died around 165 (June 1)
International Children’s Day (June 3)
The Martyrs of Uganda, died 1886 (June 3)
John XXIII, Bishop of Rome, died 1963 (June 3)
The Holy Trinity (June 4)
Boniface, Bishop of Mainz, missionary to Germany, martyr, died 754 (June 5)
D-Day (June 6)
Seattle, chief of the Duwamish Confederacy, died 1866 (June 7)
Columba, died 597; Aidan, died 651; Bede, died 735; renewers of the church (June 9)
Barnabas, Apostle (June 11)
Prayers from ELCA resources:
Resources for responding to gun violence and national distress:
Prayer for Lament (ACS p. 61)
Service After a Violent Event (ACS p. 64)
Prayers for Civic Life, Government, and the Nations (ACS p. 48-50)
A prayer for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (ELW pg. 86)
God Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Grant us, we pray, to be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. That which we know not, reveal; that which is wanting in us, fill up; that which we know, confirm; and keep us blameless in your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A prayer for the public church (ACS pg. 47)Mighty and merciful God, lover of justice and equity, you call us to support the weak, to help those who suffer, and to honor all people. By the power of your Holy Spirit, make us advocates for your justice and instruments of your peace, so that all may be reconciled in your beloved community; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
“For What Shall We Pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.
Additional topical prayers are found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (pp. 72–87) and All Creation Sings (pp. 46–55), as well as in other resources provided in print and online at sundaysandseasons.com.
Crafted intercessions for every Sunday and festival are provided in the Sundays and Seasons worship planning guide published in-print and online by Augsburg Fortress.
Prayer Ventures, a daily prayer resource, is a guide 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.