FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
New Prayer Opportunity
The Prayer Group that has been meeting on Mondays at noon has begun a new prayer opportunity. Actually, they are reviving a previous prayer opportunity offered here at First a number of years ago.
The group has placed “Prayer Baskets” in the narthex, the Lounge and the Social Hall. Each basket has small prayer cards nearby that people can write their prayer concerns/requests on and leave them in the basket. Each week before their meeting the group will collect the requests and bring them to their gathering to lift up any prayers and concerns that have been requested.
Remember prayers may be requested for any number of reasons, for those in need, for healing and wholeness, in celebration, for those we love, for those whom we may have difficulty with, for those who we know and those who we do not know. Please take a few minutes and leave a prayer request in the basket knowing that it will be lifted up to God who knows all of our needs and desires.
Oh Divine, most mighty, most merciful, our sacred stories tell us that you help and save your people. You are the fortress: may there be no more war. You are the harvest: may there be no more hunger. You are the light: may no one die alone or in despair. Oh Divine, most majestic, most motherly, grant us your life. Amen.
The Power of Prayer
The Lord God Almighty hears the prayers of His children. He commands us to pray, and He promises to listen when we do. “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears.”
Psalm 18:6
According to the Bible, the power of prayer is, quite simply, the power of God, who hears and answers prayer. First Lutheran has a faithful group of members who support our Prayer Chain ministry. These members regularly offer intercessory prayers on behalf of others. They offer prayers for many needs – health and wholeness, comfort, joy, grieving; Prayer requests may be specific or general.
Specific requests may be made at any time to the Prayer Chain by calling Harriett Miller (288-2203) or the church office.
The weekly prayer meeting held Mondays at Noon has resumed. The group meets in the Social Hall, practicing social distancing, and masks can be worn if desired. Participants are asked to enter through the elevator and proceed directly to the Social Hall. Only visit the office floor if you have business to conduct.
We hold the congregation, our community, friends and family, our nation and the world in prayer.
Please consider joining us for a time of prayer. You may choose to come weekly or from time to time. All are welcome. If you are unable to come to the church at that time please consider praying with us from wherever you are at noon on Mondays. If interested you may speak with Harriett Miller.
Prayer for World Peace
O Lord God, we pray for peace and love in all the nations, among all the people, that all wars and hatred will end. We pray for those who suffer from war, injustice, and intolerance, for the children, young people, the poor and neglected ones. We pray for peace in our life, lands nations, families and in our hearts. Lord give us world peace. We ask your mercy in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen
Prayer Ventures for November 2022
1 All Saints Day Give thanks and praise to God for saints who have helped enrich our faith in Christ, inspired us to lives of service, cared for us, demonstrated grace when we needed it most, taught us life skills, influenced our values and stirred our hope and joy.
2 Native American Heritage Month Praise God for Native American and Alaska Native neighbors and siblings in Christ, who represent a rich diversity of gifts, backgrounds, tribes, regions, communities and congregations, and whose history long predates the colonization of North America. Pray for the work of ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations in seeking justice and reconciliation for all people, celebrating diversity within Christ’s unifying love and supporting Native congregations and ministries.
3 “Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow” (Isaiah 1:17-18). Pray that we will respect the word and desires of God, seek the Spirit’s guidance in responding to our neighbors in need, and trust God to create and renew a spirit of compassion and generosity within us.
4 Pray for those affected by wildfires, flooding, droughts and hurricanes, especially people struggling through immediate and long-term recovery. Ask the Spirit to inspire our generosity toward and involvement in the work of Lutheran Disaster Response and its partners to bring relief, support, hope and resources to our neighbors in need.
5 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Pray that, in every challenge we face, the Spirit will increase our trust and confidence in God’s presence, care and help in our lives.
6 Praise the teachings and example of Jesus, who calls for us to be caring disciples, unafraid of being involved in the lives of those suffering injustice, persecution, isolation, grief, poverty or illness.
7 Pray for our outdoor ministry leaders as they gather for the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry conference in Boise, Idaho. Pray that their time together in the presence of the Spirit will be rich in mutual care and encouragement, ideas and resources, and opportunities to nurture their skills for serving in camp and retreat ministries.
8 Election Day Pray that our elected leaders will respect and serve all people, and that the Spirit will inspire and guide them in mending divisions, creating unity and encouraging constituents to work together for the well-being of all.
9 Ask the Spirit to deepen our understanding of Jesus and how the gift of God’s son has the power to transform our lives and identities in amazing and unimagined ways.
10 Give thanks and pray for leaders of our church as they gather for the ELCA Church Council, that the Spirit will inspire faithfulness, wisdom, vision and creativity in their deliberations, decisions and guidance.
11 Veterans Day Honor and give thanks for those who have served in the military to secure freedom, justice, peace and security for our country and other nations. Remembering the sacrifices they have made on our behalf, pray for their families, their congregations, federal chaplains, and organizations that support and care for returning veterans.
12 Give thanks for the ELCA Lay Schools for Ministry Network and for the Select Learning program, through which our church and its partners provide laity with opportunities to deepen their faith, study Scripture and apply their skills and life experiences to following Christ and serving the church, their communities and the world.
13 Pray that the Spirit will help us live our baptismal journeys in anticipation of the return of Christ, with confidence in God’s grace and without fear, worry or obsession over when or how that day will come.
14 Reaffirm to God our commitment to equal employment opportunity for all citizens, especially our neighbors and siblings in Christ who live with disabilities but whose gifts enrich our communities and nation.
15 Pray for a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine, and that the millions of people displaced from their homes and communities might find comfort, healing, hope and stability, returning to the daily lives and routines they once knew.
16 Pray for the ELCA’s Homeless and Justice Network, a coalition of ministries called to serve those on the margins who experience homelessness, poverty and injustice.
17 “Do not be weary in doing what is right” (2 Thessalonians 3:13). Pray that our assurance of eternal life in the kingdom of God will free us to live in the here and now, fully engaged with our lives and vocations, sharing the gospel, serving our neighbor and working for justice.
18 Pray that we might confess our role in the climate change wreaking havoc throughout the world and might grasp the urgency of managing and caring for the earth, its resources and all living things — fragile gifts that God has entrusted to our use, care and restoration.
19 Pray for the ELCA’s advocacy network and the work it empowers us to do for justice, equity and the well-being of society.
20 The love and mercy of God, which we experience in the life, suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, are for our sake and salvation. Pray that the Spirit will deepen our faith in Christ and help us reflect God’s unconditional, sacrificial love for humanity.
21 Give thanks for Lutheran Men in Mission, Women of the ELCA and congregational ministries that attend to the spiritual, physical, emotional and relational needs of all ages, and that nurture leaders for the church, our communities and society.
22 Remember the people of Puerto Rico, who have suffered multiple natural disasters and endure ongoing, extensive recovery work. Ask the Spirit to renew their faith, hope, stamina and resilience; pray that they will make progress in restoring their infrastructure and regaining access to food, water, shelter, sanitation and medical services.
23 Give thanks to God for rescuing us from the power of darkness through the gift of Jesus Christ—our teacher, our truth and the light illuminating our complicated lives.
24 Thanksgiving Day Remember that everything we have to sustain and renew us, physically and spiritually, comes from God. Let us promise to be generous with all we have and to tirelessly bear the good news that Jesus Christ, the bread of life for the world that is never depleted, is our hope and salvation.
25 Native American Heritage Day Give thanks for the cultures, values, accomplishments and spirituality of Native Americans that have shaped our nation and church. We commit to learning more about Indigenous people and tribal nations and to working together to correct inaccuracies of history.
26 Pray that we will be responsible in what we consume and how we spend our money, knowing that our neighbors suffer hunger and poverty amid abundance.
27 First Sunday of Advent We will not be disappointed in our confidence in God’s love and forgiveness, our anticipation of Christ’s return or our welcome in the kingdom of God. Praise God!
28 Give thanks for the diverse work of the 28 ELCA missionaries accompanying 18 church bodies and 18 companion organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Ask God to bless and guide our ministry together so that we might respond to the needs of our neighbors in need who are most vulnerable and might spread the good news of Jesus Christ, far and wide.
29 Pray that the Spirit will deepen our generosity in sharing our resources and financial assets for the sake of our neighbors and the well-being of the world.
30 Pray that we will be generous and respectful in responding to and caring for those who cannot find secure shelter, pay for food or medical care, or support the children or older adults dependent on them.