Posts in Prayers
For What Shall We Pray? 8/22/2023
  • For areas experiencing excessive heat and for access to cooling stations for vulnerable individuals…

  • For relief and recovery in areas experiencing wildfires, including the northeastern Greece; Maui, Hawaii; the Canadian Province of British Columbia, and the city of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories…

  • For communities in Southern California as they recover from both an earthquake and Tropical Storm Hilary…

  • For all in the path of Tropical Storms Franklin and Harold…

  • For feeding ministries in congregations that provide meals and food to their local communities…

  • For those who feel lonely or alone…

  • For victims of gun violence and their families…

  • For those experiencing strained marital relationships and couples going through separation and divorce….

  • For migrants and refugees seeking better employment opportunities, for safe travel and a warm welcome…

  • For peace in areas of war or conflict, especially in Ukraine, Libya, Syria, and Palestine…

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In Memoriam: Rev. Larry Resmer Stiles

We pray for Pastor Adele Stiles Resmer and the family and friends of Rev. Larry Resmer Stiles, who died unexpectedly after a fall on August 16, 2023.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023, 11 am, at The Fountains, A United Methodist Church, 15300 N Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. There will be no clergy vesting. There will be a brief reception following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the borderlands ministry of Cruzando Fronteras.

We will provide updates as we receive them.

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For What Shall We Pray? 8/15/2023
  • For the people of Hawaii and especially the victims of wildfires on the island of Maui…

  • For those affected by the mudslides in Myanmar…

  • For those evacuated due to Typhoon Lan in western Japan…

  • For farmers in the closing weeks of the growing season as they prepare for the coming harvest…

  • For Lutheran colleges and for Lutheran campus ministries at colleges and universities, as they prepare to welcome students for the coming academic year…

  • For children in foster care or waiting for adoption…

  • For those facing a recent diagnosis of disease, cancer, or other health-related challenges…

  • For those facing eviction or struggling financially, with job loss, underemployment, or….

  • For couples entering into the covenant of marriage…

  • For peace in areas of war or conflict, especially in Ukraine, Libya, Syria, and Palestine…

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Prayers for Pastor John Schaumburg

We pray for Pastor John Schaumburg, who had a mild stroke.

Almighty and merciful God, you are the only source of health and healing; you alone can bring calmness and peace. Grant to us, your children, an awareness of your presence and a strong confidence in you. In our pain, our weariness, and our anxiety, surround us with your care, protect us by your loving might, and permit us once more to enjoy health and strength and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. —Amen

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For What Shall We Pray? 8/8/2023
  • For all victims of violence, and especially victims of race-based violence…

  • For those facing storms in northern Europe and along the east coast of the United States…

  • For safety for all in the path of Typhoon Khanun…

  • For recovery efforts following floods and landslides in Slovenia and Austria…

  • For those fighting wildfires in Portugal…

  • For students, teachers, and parents preparing for the beginning of the school year…

  • For staff and volunteers of daytime drop-in homeless shelters and cooling centers…

  • For construction workers, farmers, and others who work outside exposed to heat and weather…

  • For immigrants and refugees, especially those without shelter, and for nonprofits in cities providing for their needs…

  • For new parents, especially those struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety, and giving thanks for doctors, mental health professionals, family members, and friends who support them…

  • For the creativity of scientists, engineers, and technicians and their progress toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources…

  • For peace in areas of war and conflict, especially in Ukraine, Haiti, and Palestine…

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For What Shall We Pray? 8/1/2023
  • For relief to all who are suffering from excessive heat and humidity…

  • For the health of life-giving bodies of water: rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, and oceans…

  • For peace in Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, Niger, Pakistan, and Colombia

  • For those near death and for those mourning the loss of a loved one…

  • For safety and rest for those traveling for vacations and summer trips…

  • For the work of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, and for staff and campers in the final weeks of
    summer camps…

  • For survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault….

  • For victims of flooding in China following Typhoon Doksuri…

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For What Shall We Pray? 7/25/2023
  • For the memory of Emmett Till and for all victims of race-based hate crimes…

  • For those fighting wildfires in Greece, southern Italy, Tunisia, and Algeria; and in the states of New Mexico, Oregon, and California…

  • For all in the pathway of Typhoon Doksuri…

  • For just and peaceful resolution to strikes and protests in Israel…

  • For students killed in a gymnasium roof collapse in China…

  • For victims of violent conflicts in Ecuador…

  • For victims of a migrant ship capsize off the coast of Senegal…

  • For refugees, asylum seekers, and all migrants…

  • For any who are targeted and persecuted for their religious beliefs…

  • For those in military service, and especially those serving against will or conscience…

  • For peace in Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, Syria, and Haiti…

  • For the healing of the earth and for swift and purposeful action against climate change…

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For What Shall We Pray? 7/18/2023
  • For natural lands and communities affected by wildfires in Canada and Greece, and for regions facing compromised air quality…

  • For all people, ecosystems, and creatures struggling under extreme temperatures…

  • For people experiencing homelessness, especially queer youth, those fleeing abuse, and those formerly incarcerated…

  • For those in the path of Tropical Storm Calvin…

  • For areas of the United States suffering after storms and flooding, especially on the east coast…

  • For all evacuated due to heavy rains and flooding in South Korea, and for those grieving deaths of family or friends…

  • For victims of mudslides in Colombia, especially those grieving the loss of children…

  • For peace in areas of war and conflict, especially Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Sudan, Syria, and Haiti…

  • For clergy and all who serve the church…

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For What Shall We Pray? 7/11/2023
  • For rescue, recovery, and rebuilding following flooding in Vermont and other parts of New England…

  • For all evacuated due to landslides in southern California…

  • For cleanup and recovery efforts following flooding in Japan, India, and Pakistan…

  • For wonder and joy to fill all who may view the Northern Lights this week…

  • For renewed compassion, humility, and collaboration among political leaders, nationally and globally…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Forth Worth, TX; Portland, OR; Cincinnati, OH; Chicago, IL; and Montgomery; AL…

  • For victims of the Mount Everest helicopter crash in Nepal…

  • For earthquakes and volcanoes in Iceland…

  • For peace in areas of war and conflict, especially Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Syria, and Haiti…

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For What Shall We Pray? 7/5/2023
  • For peace in Palestine, Ukraine, Yemen, and Syria…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Philadelphia, PA; Washington D.C.; Fort Worth, TX; Salisbury, MD; and Hayward, CA…

  • For students and for higher education professionals as they respond to and adapt to new legislative actions…

  • For police protests in France and for all who advocate for racial justice around the world…

  • For safety and relief in areas of the United States experiencing extreme heat…

  • For those suffering heavy rains, flooding, and heat waves in China and the Asia Pacific region…

  • For areas still struggling with compromised air quality due to fires and pollution…

  • For the ongoing effects of climate change and for increased compassion for our earth…

  • For protection and mercy upon all who travel, out of necessity or for pleasure…

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For What Shall We Pray? 6/27/2023
  • For all experiencing the effects of smoke, air pollution, and poor air quality…

  • For cleanup and recovery following tornadoes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Indiana…

  • For areas facing extreme heat and other extreme weather conditions…

  • For fire fighters and all in the paths of brush fires in California and Arizona…

  • For all victims and wounded in shooting events, especially in Kansas City, MO; Willowbrook, IL; Saginaw, MI…

  • For police protests in Paris…

  • For peace in the world, especially in Ukraine, Palestine, and Syria…

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For What Shall We Pray? 6/20/2023
  • For all victims and wounded in shooting events, especially in San Francisco, CA; Milwaukee, WI; and Columbus, OH…

  • For recovery efforts and healing following tornadoes and severe weather in Mississippi and Oklahoma…

  • For communities in the path of Tropical Storm Bret as it continues to develop…

  • For national governments and legislative bodies in their discernment and collaboration…

  • For fragile ecosystems threatened by global warming and for climate justice advocacy efforts…

  • For peace in our world, especially in Ukraine and Palestine…

  • For grieving families in Pakistan following the migrant boat disaster off the coast of Greece…

  • In thanksgiving for the community-strengthening gifts of LGBTQIA+ leaders who serve as teachers, artists, first responders, business owners, city council members, and church workers…

  • For long daylight hours in the northern hemisphere and for all flora and fauna who thrive in sunlight…

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For What Shall We Pray? 6/13/2023
  • For the completion of all ELCA synod assemblies, for rest for pastors and synod staff members, and for newly elected and reelected bishops…

  • For parents who identify as fathers, and for those for whom their relationships with their fathers are difficult…

  • For those struggling with dangerous air quality conditions, especially children, elderly adults, and other vulnerable populations…

  • For safe and joyful celebrations on the holiday of Juneteenth, and our collective work against the injustices of racism and discrimination….

  • For those marking the 7th anniversary of the tragic deaths at the Pulse in Orlando….

  • For all victims and wounded in mass shooting events, especially this week in Denver, Colorado; Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland…

  • For all affected by the bridge collapse in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania…

  • For those grieving victims of the city attack in Nottingham, UK…

  • For those who have died or who remain missing in a boat capsize in northern Nigeria…

  • For those displaced by the Mayon volcano activity in the Philippines…

  • For refugees around the world, and especially Afghan families facing imminent homeless in the United Kingdom…

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For What Shall We Pray? 5/30/2023
  • 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…

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A Prayer for Memorial Day

Almighty God, you are our strength and our shield. We give you thanks for the men and women of our armed forces, past and present, and especially for those who have died while serving. May their sacrifices serve the cause of peace, and may our nation be ever grateful for their service. With your wisdom and strength guide our military's leaders, and give to all people a desire for justice and peace. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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For What Shall We Pray? 5/23/2023
  • In thanksgiving for all those who have given their lives in service to our country…

  • For all who are currently serving in the armed forces and for veterans seeking care for mental and physical injuries received during active duty…

  • For missing and murdered indigenous women and girls…

  • For nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders would listen to the voices of those who survived the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki…

  • For the voices of climate scientists (such as the World Meteorological Organization) to be heard and respected…

  • For the families and friends of those who died in soccer stadium stampede in San Salvador…

  • For peace in Ukraine, Sudan, Palestine, and Israel…

  • For congressional leaders to reach agreement on the debt ceiling…

  • For an expansion of mental health care and improved access…

  • For healing and hope for those who are suffering from mental illness, especially those with treatment resistant conditions…

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For What Shall We Pray? 5/9/2023
  • In thanksgiving for all those who have given their lives in service to our country…

  • For all who are currently serving in the armed forces and for veterans seeking care for mental and physical injuries received during active duty…

  • For missing and murdered indigenous women and girls…

  • For nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders would listen to the voices of those who survived the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki…

  • For the voices of climate scientists (such as the World Meteorological Organization) to be heard and respected…

  • For the families and friends of those who died in soccer stadium stampede in San Salvador…
    For peace in Ukraine, Sudan, Palestine, and Israel…

  • For congressional leaders to reach agreement on the debt ceiling…

  • For an expansion of mental health care and improved access…

  • For healing and hope for those who are suffering from mental illness, especially those with treatment resistant conditions…

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