These petitions are offered as guides to 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.
Prayer Ventures for April 2026
1 Give thanks, for God has not left us alone stumbling in darkness, guilt and chaos. Time and time again, we are led to the cross and the empty tomb, where we are bound to, and set free by, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our lord, messiah and savior.
2 Maundy Thursday “When in the shadow of the cross Christ knelt and washed the feet of his disciples, he gave us a sign of love complete” (ELW 360). Ask God to help us understand the sacrificial love Jesus Christ had for his followers, neighbors in need and the world. Pray that we do likewise and that our actions of love, mercy and service inspire others.
3 Good Friday Pray that we deepen our understanding of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ultimate demonstration of God’s boundless love for all humanity. Ask God to forgive us when we seek or justify vengeance, isolation and dominance over people whom we see as adversaries, who unsettle us or whose beliefs differ from our own.
4 Pray for those who long for good news, hope, relief and liberation, including people of all ages who live in the midst of conflict and war, experience poverty and hunger, are imprisoned, suffer despair, and seek meaning and purpose.
5 Easter Sunday Shout together with siblings in Christ throughout the world, “Hallelujah! Christ is risen!” Give thanks to God for showing humanity that God’s promise of love, forgiveness and new life embodied in Jesus Christ is real, given to all people and to be trusted. Hallelujah!
6 Pray for peace where there is conflict, war and instability in the world, including Iran, the Middle East, Venezuela, Ukraine, Mexico, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan and Myanmar. Pray for people who are impacted and displaced by conflict, that they remain hopeful, find safe sanctuary in welcoming communities, have resources to meet daily needs, and know that they are not forgotten.
7 “Woman, dancing from the garden, find the others and proclaim Christ is risen as he promised; tell the world he knew your name” (ACS 935)! Ask the Spirit to help us invite others to have faith in God’s love and mercy and to spread the good news of the risen Christ through word of mouth, relationships, and acts of love and service.
8 National Arab American Heritage Month Remember in prayer the diverse gifts, cultures, heritages and stories of our Arab and Middle Eastern neighbors and siblings in Christ, who remind us of the rich history and tradition of Christ’s church in the world. Ask God to bless and further the ministries of Arab and Middle Eastern congregations, the Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage, ELCA Arab and Middle Eastern Ministries, and Sumud.
9 “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime” (attributed to Martin Luther). Signs of God’s love and forgiveness are everywhere! Pray for the Spirit to heighten our awareness of God’s presence, activity and promises manifested in creation, in our neighbors and siblings in Christ, and through Scripture, the sacraments and worship.
10 Give thanks and pray for those who serve in vocations of hospice care, attending to medical, physical, spiritual and emotional needs of patients with terminal illnesses and offering support for their families and care providers.
11 Ask the Spirit to inspire and guide the work of the churchwideInnovation 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 forpeople 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.
Redeemer Lutheran Church - Hartford, WI 