Prayer Ministry

Prayer Ventures

May 2024

 1  Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month  Give thanks for our Asian and Pacific Islander neighbors and siblings in Christ, and for their cultures, languages and contributions to our nation and church. Pray for the well-being of Asian and Pacific Islander congregations and ministries of the ELCA as well as the work of ELCA Asian and Pacific Islander Ministries and the Association of Asians and Pacific Islanders.

 2  National Day of Prayer  Join with our siblings in Christ in praying for the well-being of the church, our neighbors in need and the leaders of our communities and nation. Ask God to help us resolve the problems and issues that keep us from thriving in unity.

 3  Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assemblies of the Minneapolis Area, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Arkansas-Oklahoma and Southwestern Texas synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and inspire them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders and encourage one another to proclaim the gospel and serve our neighbors in need.

 4  Pray for congregational young-adult ministries, ELCA Young Adult Ministry, Abide small-group ministry, Young Adults in Global Mission, Lutheran Campus Ministry Network, Lutheran outdoor ministries and long-term volunteer service organizations. Ask God to bless leaders who serve young adults as they seek community, strengthen their faith, find opportunities to serve, and discern their gifts and vocations.

 5  “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). These words, spoken by Jesus to his followers, seem simple and unambiguous, yet we respond with resistance and stipulations. Pray that we might turn to the word of God and the example of Jesus to see the power of humility and fearless, unconstrained love. 

 6  National Nurses Week  Pray for faith community nurses, who nurture and care for the whole person — body, mind and spirit — and promote wellness in Lutheran congregations, ministries and agencies; other denominations; and our communities. Give thanks for the ministry of the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association, which promotes health and well-being in faith communities and supports nurses serving in a variety of roles across the country.

 7  Pray that our love for God will move us to seek God’s ways, wisdom and Commandments, which exist for the benefit of all humanity. 

 8  Give thanks for the creative gifts of church musicians and music ministry leaders, who enrich the worship experience in our congregations and help us express to God our joy, concerns and praise.

9 Remember in prayer our neighbors in Haiti, who yearn for peace, safety and hope amid persistent suffering and violence. Ask the Spirit to guide us as unwavering advocates for the peace and relief of our neighbors and siblings in Christ.

10 Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assembly of the Saint Paul Area Synod, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and inspire them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders and encourage one another to proclaim the gospel and serve our neighbors in need.

21 “The Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26). Praise God for the gift of the Spirit, an advocate for us who stirs and strengthens our faith. 

22 Give thanks to God that, in every corner of the world, the Spirit works to open hearts and minds to the life-changing news of unconditional love, forgiveness, renewal and salvation that we receive in Jesus Christ.

23 Ask the Spirit how God is calling us to use our faith, gifts, experience and wisdom to uplift our society, nation and world. “Could it be that we are called for such a time as this?” (All Creation Sings 1003).

24 Give thanks for scientists, science teachers and researchers, who stir our understanding and awe of God’s creation and seek to improve our lives, communities and natural environment. Promise to be careful with technology and new advancements, using them for the sake of justice and the well-being of humanity and creation.

25 Pray for the work we do through the ELCA’s AMMPARO strategy to accompany migrants with protection, advocacy, representation and opportunities, which is an expression of our faith and understanding of the gospel. Promise to uphold basic human rights and to work alongside immigrants, asylum-seekers and refugees that they might transition to life in the United States in safety, dignity and respect.

26 Holy Trinity Sunday  Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions about faith, baptism and the kingdom of God. Rather than snub his curiosity, Jesus took the time to speak with him. What questions do you have about faith and theology? Share your uncertainties with God, trusting God to understand.

27 Pray for the ministry we pursue through ELCA Global Mission, and for the personnel, missionaries and volunteers who serve in long-term partnerships with our global companions in nine Latin American and Caribbean countries.

28 Sing a prayer of praise and worship to the Lord our God, creator of all that exists and sustains our lives.

29 Pray for teachers and professors in public and faith-based settings, who work with students of all ages and abilities to develop and nurture their faith, self-confidence, curiosity, creativity and caring relationships. 

30 Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assemblies of the Montana and North Carolina synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and inspire them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders and encourage one another to proclaim the gospel and serve our neighbors in need.

31 Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assemblies of the Southwest California, South Dakota, Southern Ohio, Lower Susquehanna, Western North Dakota, Southeastern and Florida-Bahamas synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and inspire them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders and encourage one another to proclaim the gospel and serve our neighbors in need.

Morning: PRAY 

Four steps for a good morning prayer can be remembered by the acronym –

PRAY: Praise, Reason, Ask, Yes

1. Paise God. Begin by thanking and praising God for keeping you through the night. Give thanks for God's great love.

2. Reason why God is giving you this day. What needs to be done by you today?

3. Ask God, for forgiveness and grace. Ask God for one gift today to help you be the best you can be.

4. Yes God! Tell God you are ready, willing, and able to accomplish the tasks for the day. Do your best and give God the rest.

Evening: GRIP

In the evening, get a grip on the day: 

GRIP: Gratitude, Recollection, Inventory, Prayers

1. Gratitude: Take a moment to thank God for giving you this day. Give thanks for God's great love for you. Where did God bless you today?

2. Recollection: Look back at the events of the day. Consider who you saw, what you did, where you went. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you courage to be truly soul-searching. Were you growing closer to God or further away?

3. Inventory: Take inventory of how the day went. Thank God for the good you have done. Ask forgiveness for any wrong you have done. Prepare to make some amendment for sins. Take a good look at your mistakes and ask for forgiveness. Accept God's forgiveness and be at peace.

4. Prayers: Give to God all those who need your prayers. Let no boundaries stand in your way as you pray for yourself, your family and friends, the Church, the country, and the world.