Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: May 15, 2022
Worship resources for the crisis in Eastern Europe:
Follow this link to access resources to assist worshiping communities as they respond to the crisis in Eastern Europe. Several prayers are provided that could be used during the prayers of intercession or at other times, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings.
Intercession prompts:
For people, all creatures, and livelihoods in the path of wildfires in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and elsewhere, and for the safety of those who are fighting the fires…
For the people of Ukraine and people throughout the world who are endangered by violence and warfare…
For students finishing the semester and preparing to graduate…
For people living with mental illness and for all who work to improve access to mental health care and combat the stigma of mental illness…
Other notable events and observances:
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May 1-31)
Mental Health Awareness Month (May 1-31)
Erik, King of Sweden, martyr, died 1160 (May 18)
Helena, mother of Constantine, died around 330 (May 21)
Suggested prayers and hymns:
A prayer for healing and wholeness:
Creator God, you made us all in your image. Help us to embrace one another as you do, beloved and blessed; not in need of fixing, but in need of authentic welcome. Bring healing where it is desired, affirmation where it is lacking, and awareness to all. Open our hearts to receive the gifts and needs of all people, and to become communities where everyone can find a place. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. (All Creation Sings, p. 52)
A prayer for young people:
Lord God of our ancestors, we thank you for what you have done and will continue to do with our daughters and sons [children]. Walk with them in life, and keep the evil one from obstructing their pat. You see all; you know where the water is deep. Keep them from danger. Order their steps and guide their feet while they run the race of faith. May the good work that you have begun in them be brought to completion at the day of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 83)
Hymns in recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
The Rice of Life (ACS 965)
Khudaya, rahem kar (ACS 1007)
These prompts are provided for worship leaders as they prepare the prayers of intercession for weekly worship. The prompts are prepared by several leaders in the ELCA and reflect current world and national events. You are encouraged to adapt and add other concerns for your local context, including staying informed of events and concerns in your synod.
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.