Prayer Ventures for October 2025

 

1 Pray for scientists, pastors, science teachers and others who explore the intersection of faith and science through the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology. Ask for God’s wisdom to discern the benefits, consequences and use of technology to promote the well-being of humankind, communities and creation.

 

2 Ask the Spirit to guide and bless members of the ELCA Church Council as they support the work and mission of the ELCA churchwide organization. Give thanks to God for their faith, gifts and diligence.

 

3 Remember in prayer youth and adult leaders gathering for the ELCA Gathering Expedition retreat at Lutherhill camp in La Grange, Texas. Pray that their weekend together will nurture faith, stir questions and discussions, and connect them more deeply with one another — siblings in Christ who find strength and nourishment in community.

 

4 Today the Rev. Yehiel Curry is being installed as presiding bishop of our church. Give thanks to God for faithful leaders who inspire and guide our church to be passionate, creative and tireless in proclaiming the gospel and doing God’s work in the world.

 

5 Pray for the Spirit to guide and inspire those gathered for the Conference of Bishops as they worship and study together, advise the presiding bishop on churchwide planning and ecumenical relations, review proposals for the ELCA Church Council, and work on matters related to rostered ministers.

 

6 “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you’” (Luke 17:5-6). Praise God for judging us not by the depth of our faith but through a lens of love, forgiveness and concern for us as treasured children.

 

7 Give thanks for ELCA Youth Ministry and the ELCA Youth Ministry Network. Pray for their faith formation programs, leadership training events and resources for youth, and for leaders serving in children, youth and family ministries.

 

8 In the first eight months of this year, there were 292 mass shootings and more than 28,400 gun-related injuries and deaths (gunviolencearchive.org). Pray for those who suffer grief and trauma due to gun violence or accidental shootings. Ask God to help us be steadfast and wise in our advocacy to end gun violence and our care for those impacted.

 

9 Give thanks for our siblings in Christ — near and far — with whom we join in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, who frees us from the bondage of death, gives life, renews our hope and sets us on a path of compassion, service and generosity. 

 

10 Pray for musicians and worship leaders participating in the Music that Makes Community retreat in Albuquerque, N.M., that they will sharpen their skills for leading songs and instrumental music in faith communities.

 

11 Ask God to bless the work of farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers. Give thanks for their vocations and the diverse roles they play in bringing food to our tables and around the world.

 

12 In the Gospel of Luke, when 10 men with a skin disease approach Jesus in search of mercy and healing, Jesus never hesitates. Give thanks to God for attending to our needs and tribulations, and for the love and forgiveness that flow to us through Jesus Christ.

 

13 Indigenous Peoples’ Day  Today we remember and honor Indigenous people — our neighbors and siblings in Christ. Lift up prayers of gratitude for the cultures, traditions, spirituality and history of Indigenous people and tribal nations. Ask the Spirit to guide and enrich our lives together, helping us remain faithful to our shared journey toward truth and healing in the church and society.

 

14 “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation” (Psalm 111:1). Give thanks to the Spirit, who gathers us together in community to praise God, reflect on the word of God, celebrate the sacraments, respond to the needs of our neighbors and encourage one another in doing God’s work in the world every day.

 

15 Give thanks and praise for God’s inexhaustible grace, which liberates us from despair when we feel ill-equipped to deal with our troubles.

 

16 Give thanks and pray for those in our communities who serve in law enforcement, that they will be safe, affirmed in their vocations and led by the Spirit to exercise justice, fairness and wisdom in their duties.

 

17 Pray for ELCA campus ministries, that their reach and impact will grow among students, faculty, staff and others through worship, study, fellowship and service. Give thanks for the work of Lutheran Campus Ministry Network, which strengthens and supports campus ministry by equipping and connecting leaders and by advocating for ministry on college and university campuses.

 

18 Luke, Evangelist  Ask the Spirit to help us express our faith, share the good news of Jesus Christ with confidence and enthusiasm, and invite others to join the community of siblings in Christ who do God’s work in the world.

 

19 Ask God to grant justice to those who suffer discrimination and inequity, and ask the Spirit to help us be bearers of God’s justice in the world.

 

20 Remember in prayer our ministries in seven countries in Asia and the Pacific region. Pray

for ELCA Global Mission personnel and Young Adults in Global Mission who work alongside companion churches to spread the gospel, equip leaders, teach, respond to community needs and strive for justice.

 

21 “The time is coming when people will not put up with sound teaching, but, having their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Pray that the Spirit will give us insight and guidance when we struggle to distinguish God’s truth from the falsehoods that lead us astray.

 

22 Ask God to strengthen and sustain those who work for peace between nations, including diplomats, negotiators, religious leaders and heads of state. Pray that they will find new ways to work though impasses, implement just and lasting peace agreements, and address the needs of those impacted by war and civil conflict.

 

23 Pray for congregations going through challenging times, that they will find resources and assistance to renew their sense of mission and their resolve to be God’s loving presence in their communities.

 

24 Pray for Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, that his faith, his ministry experiences and the counsel of his siblings in Christ will inspire wisdom and equip him for guiding our church and its leaders to be persistent and creative in proclaiming God’s restorative love.

 

25 Ask God to help us create safe and uplifting communities of faith where all people can gather to hear the word of God, share the good news of Jesus, celebrate God’s amazing love and promises, care for one another and encourage one another to follow Christ in our daily lives.

 

26 Reformation Sunday  Give thanks for our living, growing and changing church, which asserts its identity and purpose in the good news of Jesus Christ — God’s free gift of grace and new life for the world.

 

27 Pray for refugees and immigrants in our country and throughout the world, that they will be welcomed by communities and churches that accompany them through the challenges of rebuilding their lives.

 

28 Pray for Racial Justice Ministries of the ELCA and give thanks for a gospel proclaiming that Christ’s church is for all people. Ask God for the courage to confront racism and seek fairness and justice in the church and society.

 

29 Lift up prayers of thanksgiving and joy that in God we find strength, life, happiness, hope and an eternal home.

 

30 Remember in prayer students who experience difficultiesin school — academic, emotional, physical or social. Pray that they will receive care and support from teachers, counselors and peers so that they will grow confident and thrive.

 

31 Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assembly of the Allegheny 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.