11 Ask the Spirit to inspire and guide the work of the churchwide Innovation Lab team, which equips leaders and congregations to listen deeply to their communities, try new approaches to ministry, embrace diversity and build relationships that reflect Christ’s inclusive welcome.

12 After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples who were hiding behind locked doors with fear and uncertainty. Instead of reprimanding them, a patient and reassuring Jesus gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit. Ask for forgiveness when fear and doubt creep into your thoughts and faith. Pray for the Spirit’s reassurance that we are indeed God’s beloved children who need to embolden one another to embrace and share the good news of the risen Christ.

13 Remember in prayer those traveling to South Africa and Zimbabwe to witness the life-changing work of our Lutheran companions. Hold them in prayer as they learn how ELCA global personnel and gifts to ELCA World Hunger support community development, women’s empowerment, youth leadership, responses to HIV and AIDS, climate resilience and peace-building.

14 Pray for leaders gathered to explore the theme “The Feast of Creation: Liturgy as Creation Groans” during the annual Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso (Ind.) University. Ask the Spirit to guide and inspire their deliberation on the intersection of liturgy, theology and climate justice.

15 Pray for the Spirit to equip and stir us to live out our faith and baptism as followers of Christ who implement justice, act with kindness and walk humbly with God.

16 Remember in prayer our neighbors and siblings in Christ who live in rural areas of our country. Pray that their communities and congregations will thrive and create new ways to attend to their unique contexts, strengthen faith, care for neighbors in need and stir hope.

17 “Although you have not seen [Jesus Christ], you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9). Give praise to God for stirring our faith and joy with the wonder-filled good news and mystery of our salvation through Jesus Christ. Give thanks that the gift of salvation is not dependent on our having complete understanding.

18 Ask God to instill in us confidence that peacemaking is not a sign of weakness but rather a faith-driven endeavor that entails strength, mutual concern, perseverance and wisdom for the sake of all people.

19 How does God speak to you? In a hushed or loud voice, prayerful moments, in Scripture or through the wisdom, words and actions of others around you? Ask the Spirit to help you sense and understand God’s presence and voices that can take you by surprise.

20 Give thanks to God for rostered ministers who nurture our faith, reassure us of God’s love and forgiveness, accompany us in times of grief and joy, help us see the intersection of faith and everyday life, and engage us in exploring the meaning and relevance of Scripture.

21 In Christ we are new people — new creations — and freed from our old self. Give thanks and pray for the Spirit to renew us daily and reveal how we are to live as people of faith set free to follow Christ, share the gospel, love our neighbor and spread hope.

22 Gather with siblings in Christ and lift up prayers of gratitude and joy to our God who is loving, merciful and employs the diverse gifts of communities of faith to accomplish great things in the world for the well-being, restoration and wholeness of humanity.

23 Pray for students, who, together with their teachers, grow, learn and practice skills that enable them to navigate life in a challenging world, be resilient, care for themselves and their neighbors, discover their gifts, and live with confidence, hope and joy.

24 Remember and pray for the growing number of individuals and families who experience homelessness, that they will have consistent, safe shelter and receive care and assistance that is respectful and attentive to their physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs.

25 Give thanks for people who serve in the military in various roles. Pray that they are kept safe and supported, that their faith is nurtured, and that they serve with a commitment to peace, justice and freedom around the world.

26 Ask God to help us discern between voices that serve themselves, divide us, and turn us against one another and the voice of Jesus Christ — the one true shepherd, teacher, liberator and savior whom we can trust explicitly. Pray that by his example we may unite to build communities of love and mutual care.

27 Give thanks for the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association, a network that encourages, inspires and equips educators, pastors, principals, directors and board members of Christ-centered, grace-filled schools and early education programs.

28 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Praise God for being present in our lives to guide and sustain us, especially when we feel alone, overwhelmed, frightened and adrift. Give thanks that the Spirit helps us respond with care and concern for our neighbors and siblings in Christ who are going through difficult times.

29 Thank God for the ELCA’s special relationship with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a full communion partner since 1997. Pray for the church, its members and leaders, that together we will find strength and resources for the work of sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor, especially in these challenging times for the church and society.

30 Pray for ELCA missionaries, global personnel and Young Adults in Global Mission volunteers who are often separated from family, friends, home congregations and communities for long periods of time. Pray that they will feel connected and supported while serving alongside our global companions and that the Spirit will inspire us to express our love and support in tangible ways.

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.

While You Wait