Thank you to those who submitted prayers. You’ll find a variety of prayers for joyous or difficult times, as well as moments when you or others need reassurance.

For congregations

Gracious and loving God, we thank you for congregations that create sacred spaces where your Word is proclaimed, your sacraments are shared, and your people are formed in faith. We pray for pastors, deacons, and lay leaders: grant them wisdom, strength, and compassion. Sustain them in joy and hope and remind them daily of your presence in their calling. We pray for all members who lead, serve, care, teach, give, and pray. Strengthen congregations in their witness to your love. Help them to be places of welcome, communities of justice and centers of renewal and peace. Amen. Darcy J. Mittelstaedt

Dear Lord, we pray that our churches will reach out to, welcome, and make accommodations for those of us who are physically disabled. Thank you for helping congregations work together to accomplish this important goal. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Carolyn Bolz

A Prayer before Going to Church

“I was glad when they said to me, let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Whew! Lord – just getting out the door

and on my way to worship has been a challenge.

Holy God, prepare my heart and mind to worship You this day.

Put aside all distractions and annoyances.

Tune my heart to sing Your praise.

Be with all worship leaders and pastors –

that in Word and song, prayer and praise,

communion and community, all may be blessed

to go in peace and serve the Lord

for Jesus’ sake.  Amen. Gail Heidtke

Guidance

Holy one, choosing the best path is hard. As I am pulled in different directions, uncertainty wears me thin. Because the roads I choose often meet a dead-end, I long to trust you more deeply. I turn my will toward yours; be my shepherd. Guide me into fruitful paths that reveal your hand at work, step-by-step reshaping my life. Assure me that no matter the direction, you will stay by my side, in love. Amen. Jennifer M. Ginn

A Prayer for the school day

Bless my dear ones,

as they head off for school today.

As You sent a pillar of cloud to go before Your people in the wilderness,

send Your abiding Presence

to guide them today.

Protect them.

Safeguard them from all that would harm them or lead them astray.

Send Your Spirit of discernment to guide their choices.

Open their minds to new learnings,

open their hearts with kindness and compassion.

Bless them with good teachers and true friends. Amen. Gail Heidtke

Faith amid chaos

God of newness, we long for life in the midst of death and peace in the midst of chaos and joy in the midst of sorrow. Break through our stubborn or cynical minds and show us that you are alive in our world. Empower us to work alongside you to make the world a better place. Amen. Josh Kestner

Difficult time

Gracious God, amid daily struggles and challenges, help us to recognize your presence. When we are weary, remind us of your love; when we are burdened, lift us with the assurance that you are near. Give us the courage to love each other as you have first loved us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen. Minna Bothwell 

Ever-present God, we are filled with gratitude for your unending love and faithfulness. We trust in your promises to make all things new and to bring life out of death. Help us to be living examples of your grace. Teach us to be a refuge for those who seek solace and support. Amen. Minna Bothwell 

When I feel lonely

God, I’m here once again to cry out to you. Through all of the stress and the worry of daily life, you are there, always. Listening. Help me to recognize you in the beauty of your world, and the beauty of your people. Lead me to make strong and lasting relationships built on honesty and laughter and your word. Bless the friendships and connections I have now and bless the ones to come. Be with those who feel lonely. Help them to realize that loneliness is never the truth. Love is stronger. You are stronger. Your timeline is never the same as our own. Blessed be your name. Amen. Laura Morrison

Divorce, break-up

God, we bring our brokenness to you, trusting that you will meet us with love and grace. Be present among your people as we share our imperfections that we may find holiness where we need it most. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen. Colette Broady Grund

Almighty God, we know that you never leave us, that our hurts are your hurts and that it is only in you that we can be made new. Thank you for loving us when others’ love fails us. Help us remember others to whom love has brought loss, those who are lonely and those who long to be made whole. Amen. Sarah Carson

Thanksgiving

Gracious God, you are Love itself, and you overflow love into our lives. You created this sacred earth and joined us in it. When it looked like sin and death would win, you showed us that your love is the strongest power in this world. Now we know that life follows every kind of death, and you will always love us. Thank you for bringing us into this miracle of life. May we remain eternally grateful. Amen. Stephanie Lape

Death of a pet

Gracious Creator and Giver of Life, we thank you for our beloved ______  .

(We pause to give thanks for specific memories/ attributes/ habits of our pet, and to name how we will miss them.)

We know that all creatures must one day die. And yet, O God, it’s hard to say goodbye.

You have watched over _____ in this life, now watch over _____ in Eternity.

You entrusted _____   to our care, now help us entrust ______ back into Your ever merciful and loving arms.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. Christa von Zychlin

Before a meal

God of abundance,

For this food, we give you thanks.

For the hands that have prepared it, we give you thanks.

For those who have planted, tended, raised, and harvested, we give you thanks.

For those who are hungry, we pray.

For those who are lonely, we pray.

For those who do not have a safe place to sleep, we pray.

May this meal bind our lives together with yours and with our neighbors’.

Amen. Hannah Hawkinson

Before a meeting

Abba Father, We thank you for our safe arrival today.  We thank you for being with us for all the things we do.  Today we gather to do the work we are called to do for you.  Enable us to hear your voice in our hearts and our minds.  Be with all in the ELCA, the greater world, and those unable to attend today.  May this be a successful time together.  In Jesus name, Amen. Gwendolynn Edwards

When I’m in Conflict with Another

Reconciled God, please forgive us not as we forgive, but as you do. We live in-between times; after the promise of reconciliation but before all has been made right in you. Let the cross stand between my adversary and I, a reminder that you are here—between conflict and reconciliation. Make me ever mindful that your outstretched arms are wide enough to hold me and my adversary even when we cannot reach out. Amen. Amanda Brobst-Renaud

Lord of all creation, give us courage to reach out to make amends when doubt, disappointments, and disagreements come between us and those closest to us. Forgive us when we cling to grievances large and small, real or imagined. Grant us courage to let them go for the sake of restoring a right spirit within and between those we encounter in our daily lives. May your spirit of ever-lasting love inspire us. Amen. Kathryn M. Haueisen

When I Need to Confront Someone

Jesus, who speaks calm upon turbulent seas, be with me now. Move through the turbulence in my mind and body to help me give voice to the wrongs I have witnessed or experienced. Be with me in the lump in my throat and the pit of my stomach.

Be my heart,

Be my courage,

Be my truth-speaking.

Be my adversary; move their hearts as your heart moves.

May our conversation inspire reflection and ways forward in relationship. Amen. Amanda Brobst-Renaud