Give thanks for rostered ministers in our church who are active in call, on leave from call, awaiting call or retired. Praise God for their faith, gifts, caring leadership, example and sacrifices in response to God’s call to a life of ministry and service.
Read MoreIt is a painful, nagging reality that there are both good and evil in the world. Pray that the Spirit will renew our faith, trust and patience that God’s righteousness, judgment and mercy will reign when the end of time comes.
Read MoreGive thanks that God’s word is a light to our path throughout life that guides us in our baptismal journey, fills us with hope and joy, and illuminates truth and justice.
Read MoreOur sincere condolences to the Malagasy Lutheran Church (MLC) following the death of the church’s president, Rev. Dr David Rakotonirina. Rakotonirina, 58, succumbed to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on 11 July in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo. More info on the LWF site.
We thank you, Lord God, for brave and believing people who planted your message around the world. We praise you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, who worked in them to gather and give order to this community, and who still sustains it. Remembering all those who have gone before us, we pray that we may follow as they followed, in the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Read MorePray for voting members of the Western North Dakota Synod gathered for a special meeting and elections, and for members throughout the synod who will participate through livestreaming. Ask that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in choosing leaders, proclaiming the gospel, growing the church, serving our neighbor and doing God’s work in an ever-changing world.
Read MorePray for businesses that are struggling or reopening or have shut down, and for their owners, their employees and all the other people and businesses they impact. Ask God to help them make decisions and implement new health precautions that take into consideration the well-being and needs of their employees, the people they serve and their community.
Read MoreGive praise to God, for God’s word is powerful, clear, true and trustworthy.
Read MorePray for Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton, that God will sustain her faith and strength and guide her leadership and decisions, particularly during this difficult and uncertain time in our church and society when we are looking to her for guidance and vision.
Read MorePause to reflect on the significance of the 50th anniversary of a Lutheran church choosing to ordain women in the United States. Give thanks for the leadership, ministry and gifts of women who have served the church throughout history and for those women who endured the hardships and work leading to the ordination of women.
Read MorePray that we will sow the seeds of the good news of Jesus Christ without bias or judgment as to how people will receive it, and that we will trust the Spirit to accomplish what God intends through our witness and service in the world.
Read MoreRemember in prayer refugees and immigrants throughout the world and at our borders who hope for and seek welcoming, safe communities where they can reestablish their lives and raise their families. Pray that they will have access to health services, food and resources to meet their daily needs during this time of heightened vulnerability and isolation.
Read MorePray for the 120 ELCA companion synods that connect our congregations with Lutherans and ministries worldwide. Give thanks that together we participate in God’s mission, support each other, share our joys and sorrow, and use our gifts and resources to respond to human needs and grow the church.
Read MoreHappy 75th Anniversary Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix! July 8th, 1945 - 2020.
The people of Faith pray that over the next year of their Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, they will have the opportunity to celebrate in person, reflect on their journey, and discern their future as Christ’s body in the community. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide them on our mission; called to love and serve their neighbors.
Read MoreErvin P. Langholz died on July 8, 2020 in Sun City, Arizona. A funeral service—for immediate family only—will be held at American Lutheran Church, where he was a member and had once served as Pastor of Care Ministry. A Celebration of Life for the extended congregation will occur at a later date. He recently celebrated 60 years of ordination.
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you our brother Ervin. We thank you for giving him to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord, Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
Read MoreGive thanks that “the Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.” Pray that our joy and thanksgiving will move us to be witnesses to God’s presence, grace and mercy in the world for the sake of all people.
Read MoreThank God for our special relationship with the Episcopal Church, a full communion partner with the ELCA since 1999. Pray for the church, its diverse ministries and its members and leaders, and pray that together we will find mutual support, new partnerships and new resources for the work of sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor.
Read MoreWe understand well Paul’s struggle between the inclinations of human nature and following the ways of God and teachings of Jesus. Pray for forgiveness and strengthened faith when we are weak or make poor decisions; pray that we will be guided and encouraged by the Spirit of God that dwells within us.
Read MorePray for wisdom and patience as we navigate how to gather as congregations and discern what is appropriate, safe, caring and respectful of the ongoing concerns of our members, communities and nation.
Read MoreGive thanks that God’s love and truth are revealed to us through faith in Jesus Christ and that the Spirit is at work inspiring and equipping us to share the good news, spread truth and invite others to believe.
Read MoreLiberating God, we give you thanks for this country in which we live. We give you thanks that you have guided us to this point in our history. Remind us of our heritage and those who have struggled to help us live up to the ideals of what we should stand for. Deliver us from arrogance. Help us to remember that you are God of all nations and peoples. As stories of freedom and struggles are told this day, make us bold enough to be revolutionary in our faith. May we pursue liberty and justice, not just for ourselves, but for all.
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