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Join us this Sunday, May 17, for
In Our Prayers…
St. Mark’s Members: Rebekah D., Larry H., Kirk M., Denise M. and family, the family and friends of Debra M., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, the North Carolina Synod, and the ELCA.
Extended Family & Friends: Rev. David B., Anthony C. Sr., Carrie C., Dom C., Fred D., Kathy D., Elizabeth E., Karl E.., Jeanne K., Calvin K., Tania M., Keith M., Stone Ty O., Kayla P., Caroline P., Andy S., Lucia S.
The Greater Community: Robeson Community College, Robeson Church and Community Center, Episcopal Lutheran Campus Ministry, UNC-Pembroke, those in assisted living and nursing facilities especially GlenFlora, Lutheran Services of the Carolinas. Those whose work puts them in harm’s way for the public good. Those who live with addiction or chronic illness. The marginalized of our society. Elected leaders at all levels. Our neighbors around the world.
Personal Prayer Resources
Daily Prayer Ventures
May 2026
These petitions are offered as guides to daily 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. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.
1 Pray for leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assemblies of the Arkansas-Oklahoma, Minneapolis Area 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, serve our neighbors in need and work for justice and peace.
2 Pray for leaders, voting members and others as they gather for the Southeastern Minnesota Synod assembly, 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, serve our neighbors in need and work for justice and peace.
3 “Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me” (Psalm 31:2). Give thanks that God is with us through every twist and turn of life, strengthening our faith, inspiring our courage, guiding our journeys and renewing our spirit.
4 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Praise God for Asian and Pacific Islander members, congregations and ministries of the ELCA, which represent a diversity of cultures, languages and heritages. Pray for the ELCA’s Association of Asians and Pacific Islanders, which mentors leaders, lifts the voices of different communities and supports full participation in the life of the church.
5 Pray for the Spirit to stir in us a spirit of love, mercy and peace that prevails when conflicts and personal differences motivate us to harm, discredit or dismiss one another.
6 Pray for an end to war and conflict, that we might focus our attention and resources on those who are suffering, living in fear, yearning for stability or pining for home.
7 National Day of Prayer Today, with our siblings in Christ across the United States, we pledge our service as public witnesses, proclaiming to all people and nations God’s loving, life-restoring deeds.
8 Remember in prayer all college and university students as they prepare for their final exams, that they will find encouragement and renewal among their peers, in campus ministries and in other faith communities that understand the unique needs and pressures they face.
9 Pray that we will open our senses to the beauty, diversity and mysteries of creation — from microbes in the soil to vast mountain ranges to distant galaxies. Give thanks for God’s boundless power and rejoice at God’s handiwork in nature.
10 God has not abandoned us to stumble through our life and baptismal journey alone. The Spirit is always with us, drawing us into community with all others who follow Jesus Christ. Praise God!
11 “You have looked with love on your servant here, and blessed me all my life through. Great and mighty are you, O Holy One” (Marty Haugen, “Holden Evening Prayer”). Lift up prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God for showing you grace and for blessing your life so that you might be a blessing to others.
12 Pray for those who are suffering, grieving or seeking help. Ask the Spirit to guide your efforts as you respond not with judgement but with love, care and sensitivity.
13 Pray for ministries and community programs that provide education and counseling for parents, day care and youth ministry for children, shelter and services for families that are homeless, and time and space for every family to grow in faith together.
14 Ascension of Our Lord Ask for God’s patience as our faith matures, deepening our appreciation for what God has given all humanity through Jesus Christ. Pray that the Spirit will clarify for us God’s enduring love and forgiveness, the gift of salvation and how we might live in community.
15 Pray for leaders, voting members and others as they gather for the assemblies of the North/West Lower Michigan Synod, Saint Paul Area Synod, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, South-Central Synod of Wisconsin and Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast 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, serve our neighbors in need and work for justice and peace.
16 Pray for leaders, voting members and others as they gather for the Northern Great Lakes Synod assembly, 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, serve our neighbors in need and work for justice and peace.
17 Pray for leaders, voting members and others as they gather for the Southeastern Iowa Synod assembly, 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, serve our neighbors in need and work for justice and peace.
18 Pray for our siblings in Christ, both in our congregations and around the world, who share our heritage and accompany us in our baptismal journeys as we do God’s work in the world together.
19 Give thanks for the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology and for scientists, science teachers, researchers and church leaders who work to explain the implications of science and technology for Christian faith.
20 Ask God to bless the work of ELCA Global Mission, Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran Services Carolinas, ELCA Advocacy Network, AMMPARO, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries and other programs and ministries of our church.
21 Remember in prayer young adults and professional leaders as they prepare to serve campers of all ages and abilities in Lutheran outdoor ministries across the country. Pray for the Spirit to nurture their enthusiasm for doing God’s work this summer.
22 Give thanks for the ELCA Prison Reentry and Advocacy Network, which provides leaders, resources and opportunities for congregations and individuals to accompany people in prisons, jails and juvenile detention centers. Pray that our congregations will welcome and support those working to reclaim their lives after incarceration.
23 “In hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience” (Romans 8:24-25). Ask the Spirit to strengthen our faith in God’s promises and in what Jesus Christ taught us. Pray for reassurance when we feel pressured to prove our faith and defend our beliefs.
24 Day of Pentecost Give thanks for the Holy Spirit, through which we invite people of all nations, races, genders, cultures, languages and ages to believe in God’s love, mercy and presence in the world. Praise God for the rich diversity of humanity, which yields a variety of gifts for sharing the gospel, serving our neighbors and growing the church.
25 Memorial Day Remember, mourn and give thanks for those in the military who gave their lives for justice, peace and the freedom of our country and all nations. Pray for the safety of those currently serving in the military and for the well-being of their families.
26 Pray for leaders, voting members and others as they gather for the Upstate New York Synod assembly, 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, serve our neighbors in need and work for justice and peace.
27 “There are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services but the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Diversity and interdependence are essential qualities of creation and humanity, to be valued and affirmed, not feared, disparaged or eliminated. Lift up prayers of recognition and thanksgiving for God’s wisdom!
28 Pray for leaders, voting members and others as they gather for the assemblies of the North Carolina and Southeastern 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, serve our neighbors in need and work for justice and peace.
29 Pray for leaders, voting members and others as they gather for the assemblies of the Greater Milwaukee, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Southeast Michigan, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southwest California and Western North Dakota 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, serve our neighbors in need and work for justice and peace.
30 Pray for leaders, voting members and others as they gather for the assemblies of the New Jersey, Northwestern Minnesota and Northwestern Ohio 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, serve our neighbors in need and work for justice and peace.
31 Remember in prayer students departing from their colleges or universities to seek employment, pursue their vocations, serve as volunteers, raise families, enlist in military service or otherwise face the future.
Prayer Ventures is reprinted by permission. This resource may be copied and shared among members and friends of the congregations of the ELCA. Contact info@elca.org for additional information. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631-4101, Telephone: 800-638-3522
Begin & End The Day in Prayer
Morning: PRAY
Four steps for a good morning prayer can be remembered by the acronym –
PRAY: Praise, Reason, Ask, Yes
Paise God. Begin by thanking and praising God for keeping you through the night. Give thanks for God's great love.
Reason why God is giving you this day. What needs to be done by you today?
Ask God, for forgiveness and grace. Ask God for one gift today to help you be the best you can be.
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
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?
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?
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.
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.
While You Wait
The Rev. Hollie M. Holt-Woehl explains how, even while waiting in line yet again, we can employ this time to offer our prayers at: While You Wait.
The Examen
Inspired by St. Ignatius, the examen is a reflective practice that connects us to our true selves and to the Sacred within us and around us. Its steps create space for loving and honest conversation. Through practice, we grow to recognize, know, and trust our inner wisdom and the voice of the Divine. In other words, it’s a path of spiritual friendship. It helps us live lives of compassion, intention, accountability, and hope.
The examen is founded on the belief that Love is in all things. We experience Love through our five senses in our daily experiences in the world and in people around us. In particular, we listen to how and where Loving Presence reaches out to us everyday.
Traditionally, the examen takes 5-15 minutes and is practiced in the middle or at the end of the day. The practical steps below work to guide the flow of our reflections according to its interior rhythm. Some people may feel awkward in the practice at first. Like all friendships though, trust and ease grow from rapport and showing up.
There is nothing to achieve. This is simply an opportunity to pay attention, to love, and to get to know the Sacred through your own experience. The examen is a gift we give ourselves and others through our generous attention to Love in the world.
ﾠ1. Give Thanksﾠ
Pause and give thanks for something
in your day (even if it’s small).
Gratitude lets us see the light in our lives alongside the shadows. Acknowledging what we cherish gives us a sense of wonder and connects us to Love within us and around us. In this way, gratitude is one way we tell the truth about ourselves and our lives. It’s another way we say, “This matters to me.”
ﾠ2. Reviewﾠ
Review what happened in your day
and how you felt about it.
We don’t have to remember every detail, but a general recap of our day makes us more aware of our reality and emotions. This is especially helpful if we are on autopilot or feeling disconnected from ourselves, love, or others. Reviewing our day also helps us consider that Love speaks to us through our humanity (our thoughts, emotions, and bodies) and that we’re invited to listen to all of that.
ﾠ3. Reflectﾠ
Reflect on consolation
and desolation by asking:
“When did I feel connected to
and disconnected from Love today?”
Holding the memories and feelings from the day, we now observe (without judgment) what sticks out and grabs our attention most. We listen to what brought us alive and made us feel most like ourselves. We call this feeling of being connected to Love and our true selves, consolation. And then we also listen, with equal attention, to what broke our heart, made us feel isolated, or misunderstood. We call this feeling of being disconnected from Love and our true selves, desolation. These deeper messages from our experiences and heart are often ways the Sacred invites us into deeper relationship, healing, and growth.
ﾠ4. Mendﾠ
Listen to where you need mending
or need to make amends.
This step is about accountability and compassion. We sit in union with Love and consider where there was misunderstanding or pain in our day. We listen to where we need to make amends and commit to taking steps to do so. We also listen to where we need to speak up about our own needs or on behalf of someone else. Again, we commit to following up on these revelations when we end our practice.
ﾠ5. Intendﾠ
Set an intention and move on with Love.
This step is about making peace with the day and moving on with fresh intention. It’s like cleaning the slate. We might need to wrap up loose ends, but we’re ready to move forward and intend to do so with Loving Presence. Based on all you’ve discovered and acknowledged so far, where do you want to go now? With what attitude and purpose do you want to take your next steps? What do you need to let go of and what do you need to carry with you to move on from here?
ﾠ6. Gratitudeﾠ
Give thanks (again).
Gratitude provides such a nourishing perspective, hope, and humility that ending our practice with it is like lighting a lantern for the path ahead. It also reminds us that we are not alone, but are traveling with Love who accepts us just as we are.
Click HERE to download a
printable copy of The Examen.
Pray at Our Labyrinth
You are welcome to walk our labyrinth at any time.
Walking the spiral is a form of prayerful meditation to hear God's voice, know God's will in our lives, and seek to have Christ as the center of all things; remembering that we are His hands bringing His love back to share as our witness to the world.
Click the link below for an in-depth explanation of Christian labyrinths.
Open the pdf below for 12 reasons how a labyrinth benefits a church.
Why Prayer Labyrinths
12reasons.pdfPage updated
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