Prayer Tour for Baltimore City

All are invited to join the community of St. John’s Lutheran Church (Pimlico) and our synod in prayer and Christian Unity for the people of Baltimore City and our Lutheran congregations there. We are asking members from all of our congregations to prayerfully consider attending the worship service and picnic on Sunday, August 18 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Swann Pavilion in Druid Hill Park. Whether or not you can attend this service and picnic, you are invited to include the people of Baltimore in your prayers of intercession during the month of August. We will be collecting and sharing prayer requests both online and during a “prayer tour” to various churches and communities this summer, so that each congregation may have the opportunity to include some of those concerns in their own heartfelt prayers as the Holy Spirit guides them. For further information and explanation, please see the full explanation, the flier, and the prayer request form. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Dan Granofsky, OSSD at (410) 877-4805.  You may email completed Prayer request forms to Dan.

St. John’s (Parkville)

  • We pray for the spirit of love in our community; to go out into the neighborhood, spread the Gospel and help others.
  • We pray for an end to violence, help for those who need it, and for those suffering from addiction.
  • We pray to you for help Lord. This is a spiritual battle.
  • We pray that our congregation opens their hearts and minds to a deeper understanding of diverse neighbors and welcome them into our loving community.
  • We pray that the youth of Baltimore find love, support and healing to move beyond violence, despair, and loss to hope and renewal. 
  • Lord, please help all those providing support to Baltimore’s communities.
  • We pray that we may be one, that we may love one another as Christ loves us, that we go therefore and let our light so shine, that our eyes see, our ears hear, and our hearts understand.
  • We pray that God’s love will be spread by us all to reach those that need it.
  • We pray to somehow change the attitude of those who feel the need to kill.  Give us strength to handle the big job of changing this culture.
  • We pray that we welcome black and brown visitors warmly to grow our congregation as our neighborhood is changing.
  • We pray that we extend youth membership and activities to keep kids off the streets.
  • We pray that we may offer training for the unemployed to help them get jobs. 
  • We pray that our Lutheran Churches in the area unite to help our sister churches in Baltimore City.
  • We pray for access to programs for food and shelter if there is a crisis in their lives.
  • We pray for safety – in creative forms – as needed in our schools.
  • We pray with faith that goodness prevails.
  • We pray that the crime and lack of respect for other people will end.
  • We pray that all will know God’s love.
  • We pray that for safety from harm of gun violence.
  • I pray for a safe place for all who struggle with mental illness and drug abuse to find healing and support of God’s love to move them to search for help.
  • I pray that everyone will be at peace with each other.
  • I pray that we may continue to grow in our faith and spread the good news to others.
  • I pray for all people, young and old in Baltimore City.  God is good and he is with you. Don’t worry about tomorrow, God is already there.
  • We pray for safety and love amongst all, that we see no colors and that there be no discrimination.
  • Lord, we pray that you watch over our police officers.
  • Oh Lord – Help us reach out.
  • Oh Lord – Help us restore trust.
  • Oh Lord – We pray with faith that goodness prevails.

St John’s (Brooklyn) and St Paul’s (Curtis Bay)

  • Almighty God, we pray for the Holy Spirit to bring peace and unity to all Baltimore City communities in Jesus’ name.
  • We pray for all government officials and politicians to come together and work in harmony with one another to make wise decisions for empowering Baltimore City neighborhoods to prosperity.
  • We pray for all Baltimore City congregations to be a loving and faithful light for all to see their joyful ministries be carried out.
  • We pray for the homeless in Baltimore City to receive the proper attention, care, food, water and shelter for their well being and comfort in Jesus’ name.
  • We pray for communities in Baltimore City that are constantly affected by violence. We pray that people realize killing is not the answer to conflict.
  • We pray for our congregations in Brooklyn and Curtis Bay to receive comfort who may have recently experienced the loss of a loved one.
  • We pray for our congregation to bring an abundance of generosity and ministry works to help our Brooklyn and Curtis Bay communities thrive and prosper.
  • We pray for those battling addiction, which is a prevalent problem in Brooklyn and Curtis Bay. We ask for treatment that is accessible to all battling addiction for healing. 
  • Almighty God, we pray for our Brooklyn and Curtis Bay neighborhoods to be good stewards for the environment so all can have clean air and water, in Jesus’ name.

Salem (Catonsville)

  • We pray for the safety of all, especially the children of Baltimore, that they are loved, guided and mentored to rise up and fulfill God’s promises in them and their God-given destinies as his children.
  • We give thanks for the beauty of Baltimore. For the music, food, culture, and community. For the lives and livelihood of the people. For the new and wonderful things God is doing in this city.
  • We pray to stop the killing of all ages, races, and creeds in Baltimore, in the Middle East and everywhere, whether it be from crime or war, we pray for it to stop, for our families, police officers and citizens to be safe, and for our servicemen and women to come home.
  • We pray for schools that are safe, and for parents and teachers able to focus and teach and love and care for each child in Baltimore.
  • We pray for expecting mothers in Baltimore City that they may receive the necessary nutrition and medical care for safe and healthy pregnancies. Pray that the newborn babies receive exceptional nutrition and medical attention as well as support from strong family units. 
  • I pray for the people of Charles Village in Baltimore City, First English Church, and for all who support the safety and caring concerns of each community in and around the City.
  • We pray that the hearts of our young men will be softened and not seek violence against each other. That those whose hearts are filled with hate, greed, contempt, and indifference will experience a change of conscience brought about by your love, oh Lord. Lift up our City and keep its people close to you.
  • Dear Lord, bless all the people of Baltimore and most of all protect the little children and the elderly and grant them peace.
  • Please, Lord, help us live together as good servants of God, giving a kind word every day, loving and helping one another.
  • We pray that the gang leaders and drug dealers will put their guns down and not settle disputes with violence.
  • We ask for strength and courage for the many trying to stop the gang presence and the drug trade, and we pray for healing for all those who have been caught in their traps.
  • We pray that we may always witness to each other.
  • We pray that the youth of our city be protected from child abuse and sex trafficking.
  • We pray that the homeless be protected from the elements and predation through employment and permanent housing and that they know the love of Christ through us.
  • I pray for the protection, respect, and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community in Baltimore.
  • I pray for community organizers Vevasha, Feron and Miss Shirley in Cherry Hill.
  • I pray for community leaders; Michael and Cherry Hill, Maradyth and the Greater Baybrook Alliance, and Michael and the Southwest partnership.
  • I pray for community planners Brent, James, Reni, Carmen, Marshella, Matthew, Jess, Kyle, Chad, Caitlin, Jen, and MC.
  • We pray that God may lift the sorrow of people who mourn the many senseless deaths, making life so hard to live where this happens so often.
  • We pray for our police and first responders that they may be protected from harm. We pray for honesty and an end to racial hatred and violence.
  • We pray for forgiveness, reconciliation, understanding, and mercy for the people of Baltimore and God’s people everywhere.
  • We pray for our elected leaders, that they may renounce corruption, stop working against each other, and adopt a spirit of cooperation with genuine dedication and concern to address the problems in Baltimore. We especially pray for those who continue to choose to do the right thing.
  • We pray for our newly ordained Associate Pastor, for harmony among our church committees, for blessings on our Sunday School, and that Salem will continue to be a strong witness in our local community.
  • As a teacher, I pray for educators to provide children with unconditional love and support to their students.
  • I pray that whoever reads these prayers may receive many blessings from the Lord.
  • Dear God, please heal the soul sickness that prevails in so many areas of our City that are in the hands of evil.
  • We pray for spiritual awakening, and the permeation of the good news of God’s great love for us, through his son Jesus Christ our Lord!
  • We pray that all who live in fear or who live thinking they are not worthy of love to know that they are loved by God.
  • We pray that the people of Baltimore of all faiths and persuasions unite in purpose and action to address the violence so prevalent in our City.
  • Thank you for your presence Lord, and let your people be your voice, that is as soft as the sound of a turtle dove, but with the strength of a thunderstorm.  We ask in Christ’s name.
  • I pray that the people of Baltimore of all faiths and persuasions unite in purpose and action to help address the violence so prevalent in the City.
  • I pray that all citizens can put aside their differences whether political, cultural, racial, etc. and work for the greater good of the people of Baltimore.
  • I pray that a spirit of cooperation will lead to better address hunger, medical care, police honesty, and education for those in need in Baltimore.

St. John’s (Linthicum)

  • Heavenly Father, we love you, we praise you, and we thank you for all that you have done for the people of Baltimore.
  • We pray for an end to the terrible addictions epidemic, from drugs deemed illegal and from drugs deemed legal that have led to medical addictions. We pray for the counselors and for those who suffer from drug addiction in Baltimore City. We pray for people in Anne Arundel County who meet at our church, that all will put their trust in Christ to break the chains of their addiction.
  • We are a people that are hurting, Father. Help our community, local and national leaders see past their biases to our pain. Help them find ways to make our lives better and safer.
  • I pray for you, that though you are struggling or wanting to give up, please don’t. Because God is with you and will give you what you need to make a positive difference in the world.
  • We are a loving people, Father. Remind us of ways that we can continue to show one another that we care about them, even those who would do us harm.
  • I pray that we all stay strong in the love of Christ, during any situation that happens in life.
  • We pray for a smooth and positive transition with our new pastor.
  • We are a resounding people, Father. You have been good to us for many generations. We have had many hardships. We continue to look to you for hope, strength, and examples of ways to be better Christians in our daily lives.
  • We pray you keep children safe from abuse and neglect.
  • We pray that all gang members turn to Jesus, and by doing so, eliminate all gangs.
  • Abba, as you brought the Israelites out of the desert, we know that you will bring us through this season of despair that many of us feel we are in.
  • We ask that you keep our police safe and that they do their job with integrity. 
  • Lord, take the hate and anger from those who would do harm to others in Baltimore City. Open their hearts and minds to your teachings, and give them the will to change.
  • Loving God, we have not left you and we know that you have not left us in Baltimore City! We pray for healing, love, and your continued grace in the times ahead. In Jesus’ name, we pray.
  • Dear Lord, thank you for all that I have, for the abundance you’ve given me. Wrap your arms of warmth and love around my friends and family who are ill, worried or alone. Let them feel your presence, and let me be a blessing to someone today.
  • Dear Lord, our city is in trouble. So many beautiful old buildings are torn apart. So many hard-working families strive to do the right thing but live in fear. Help the residents, police, and politicians Put aside their prejudices, their mistrust of one another, and feel your love for them so the violence and corruption end and the city is renewed.

Zion (City Hall Plaza)

  • Good Shepherd of all people, we pray for the homeless: that they are well kept, that they can sleep in safety, that they have food and medical care and a roof over their heads; and they feel welcomed and loved.
  • Dear God, please help us find ways to serve the people that are downtown around the church.
  • Please, God, let us all see the “little child” that is in everyone we meet. Especially those people who appear hardened and threatening to us.
  • Dear God, you know your church. Unite us in prayer so we renew our faith and love for one another, overcome difficulties and hardships, and find peace and understanding in our lives and for our brothers and sisters as Jesus teaches us.
  • Eternal God, bless the people of Baltimore City, so peace and tranquility may come where there is hatred and uncertainty. Give her leaders guidance and strength to find solutions for all her problems.

Christ (Inner Harbor)

  • We offer prayers for God’s peace to touch the lives of all in Baltimore City, especially so many in need.
  • We pray for healing in the midst of challenges, change, and transition. May the Holy Spirit guide our leaders.
  • Please, God, take away the hate from people’s hearts and minds.
  • I pray for the homeless women and children in our church shelter, and for those living in neighborhoods and attending schools in high crime areas.
  • I pray for the youth in the City and their parents, and that we all show more love daily
  • We pray for the homeless, the mentally ill, those suffering from addiction, and the chronically ill.
  • We pray for police officers, elected officials, volunteers, citizens, and the church.  Enable us to develop a plan to work together to address racism, crime, and poverty.
  • I pray for the homeless. I want them to get a home, and I pray for people and animals that are in heaven.
  • We pray for housing that is safe and enough nutritious food for all.
  • We pray for schools that are safe, and for parents and teachers able to focus and teach and love and care for each child in Baltimore. 
  • We pray that we will be able to increase the funding for our homeless shelter at Baltimore Outreach Services, located in Christ Lutheran, so we can continue to provide services for the homeless women and children in Baltimore City.

Jerusalem (Belair Road)

  • We pray for the mentally ill, homeless and addicted, that the stigma will stop towards these children of God.
  • I pray for the staff of Helping Up Mission that they may continue to help young and old with the opioid crisis in Baltimore City.
  • We pray for the people of Bemorecaring as they help clothe and feed the homeless, provide for churches, and give toys to kids.
  • I pray for healing for our shut-ins Nicholas, Phyliss, David, Doris, Paul and all of our members at JELC, that they may feel God’s presence in their lives.
  • I pray for all mariners setting sail from the port of Baltimore.
  • Most of all we pray that souls are saved and they accept Christ as their personal savior through this service in the park, and the prayers lifted up asking Christ to change lives and do miracles to save the young and the old of our City. 

Epiphany (Raspe Avenue)

  • We ask for blessings on Baltimore’s students returning to school. Grant patience, understanding, and above all kindness to the hearts of each and every student.
  • God bless and grant strength to all parents juggling work, family and the struggles that come with it all.
  • Father in Heaven, let the families join together and open their eyes and mouths to help rid the City of the evil done to them and each other. My heart weeps for these families. God bless them.
  • I pray for peace, joy, love, hope, less violence, safer children, compassion for those less fortunate, and longer lives for people of the community.
  • I pray that our church will grow and be able to help feed the poor.
  • Lord God – please continue to keep your hands on the people of Baltimore City.  To help to find their way to you Lord. Lord God thanks for the blessings that you give to the people of Baltimore City, our congregation, and our community.
  • I pray that the police commissioner will work with the City Government to decrease crime.
  • We pray for those who do not feel safe and secure in their own homes.
  • I pray for Norman, that he may he be welcomed into the Lord’s heavenly home.
  • I pray that the combined efforts of multiple City hospitals will help with the homeless situation.
  • We pray for those struggling with mental illness, alcohol and drug abuse.
  • We pray for God’s will and discernment over the problems in Baltimore and as to what role the Church is to play.
  • We pray for the “God Is Love” church to continue serving and uplifting the community, and for those that selflessly assist to remain strong and vigilant.
  • May the sermon today and every week help to motivate the people and those in the church to continue serving God’s will.
  • I pray for peace in the City again; to get crime under control, and to have security while we worship.
  • We pray for congregations to embrace change and diversity, and to fight for social justice.
  • I pray for all who are helping immigrants on the path to citizenship.
  • I pray for reforms in the police department so they can earn the respect of all people.
  • I pray for the violence all over the City to end. That we can put the guns down and live in harmony.
  • Heavenly Father…Pour out your Holy Spirit on the people of our city. Awaken, revive, return this city to its covenant roots so that every person confesses with their mouths and believes in their hearts that Jesus Christ is LORD to the glory of GOD the Father.  
  • We pray for the racism, hate, and disrespect to stop – for people to join together and stand firm on teaching respect and love to our children so there will be hope for the future.
  • We pray that hurting and killing will be replaced with talking and understanding, turning the other cheek or walking away from confrontation. So much has been lost in people – almost like they’ve become empty. We pray for love and peace!
  • We pray that people will come to know God personally and to trust and rely on Him for their daily needs. To remember that every action has a reaction.
  • I pray for the continued health of my friends and my friend’s dogs. I pray for poor, abused, and homeless people and animals. I pray for people suffering from substance abuse and criminals. Finally, I pray for good people who tolerate all the madness and try to do the good stuff but are beaten down by all the hypocrisy and injustice.
  • We pray that the congregation opens its hearts to “others” and loves them, welcomes them and accepts them all as “us.”
  • We pray that those with honest hearts, capable hands, and clear knowledge are welcomed into leadership at all levels.
  • We pray that we will continue to be a welcoming, no judgement, come as you are place to worship and to continue to reach out to the community.
  • We pray for peace in our community and for our leaders to be honest and truthful.
  • Please keep our church financially stable and that we may be successful in reaching out to the community, especially the youth.
  • I pray that everyone has a place to stay with food and that the violence goes away.
  • I pray that we treat others as you want to be treated with love and respect.
  • I pray for my continued health and for the health of my family, and I pray for me to be a better neighbor, more empathetic and nicer in general.

First English (Charles Street)

  • We are praying for improved relationships with God, within families, within Christianity, and with our neighbors.
  • We pray for the city of Baltimore – our mission field.
  • We pray for our leaders Donald, Larry and Jack, and our bishops Elizabeth and Bill, and our acting Bishop Claire Burkat.  
  • We pray for our prayer partner First Lutheran Church in Ewen, Michigan. 
  • We pray for the family and friends of those who were killed in Baltimore last month – Tisa Blount, Daron Benjamin, Davron Dorsey, Kenneth Whitley, Joshua Norman, Sheraton McElwee,  Antoine Webster, Raymond Johnson, Ronald Davis, Harold Amos, Antonio Jackson Jr, Orion Ruhle, Dearis Jones, Christopher Sutton, Jamal Dixon, Deandre Crawford, Tory Palmer, Devin Taylor, Dwane Harris, Jawan Dukes, Taven Lowther, Brandon Silver, Davonne Brooks, Karl Jennings, Terrell Mathews, Derle Brooks, Gerald Brown III, Jessie Bernard Evans, Ramone Manley, Antwane Knight, Meredith Perry, and Aaron Lemon.

St Philip’s (Caroline Street)

  • We pray for a new permanent pastor, and for an end to the crime.
  • I pray that our City can live in peace, that our neighborhoods can work together, and that our congregation will grow.
  • I pray that more people in the neighborhood would care about sanitation and upkeep and stop littering.
  • I pray that people would support the police department and relay information about those who participate in criminal and other wrong activities.
  • I pray that more parishioners would give of their time and talents in support of activities and programs.
  • I pray for my grandson and family members.
  • We pray for the citizens, churches, and communities of Baltimore.
  • We pray for fervent discipleship in our Lutheran congregations.
  • We pray for parents in the City of Baltimore, for the health and growth of our children, and for the increase of the importance of Jesus in the lives of all.

All Saints (Loch Raven Boulevard)

  • I pray that the All Saints family continues to grow in faith and love and reach out to the surrounding community of Northwood.
  • We pray that the Holy Spirit gets into the hearts and minds of all in the City that don’t think that they have any hope.
  • I pray that our congregation will increase and that our financial status improves in the name of Jesus.
  • I pray for family and children – in Baltimore and all over the world – and for all people to follow Jesus!
  • I pray for George and Vernard that they come to know the love of Christ.
  • I pray with deep concern involving more children in church.
  • I pray for my church, family, and friends.
  • I pray for Terrance and Iva. Charles and Sheila, for their understanding of what it is to be a child of God, and to be obedient to their parents.
  • Our prayer is for people that are without faith, that they will find Jesus Christ at All Saints; that their hearts will be open to receive and deeply experience the grace and love of Jesus.
  • We pray for the youth of Baltimore City to be lifted up, taught, and mentored to find new pathways to experience the joys life can bring.
  • We pray for the laying down of weapons, and to lean on new ways to restore relationships without violence, and ask for forgiveness moving forward in the newness of life.

 

St. John (Pimlico)

  • We pray for the Pastor who was called to serve and lead our congregation.
  • We pray for the community of Christ.
  • Praying for the homeless and the oppressed throughout our neighborhood and Baltimore City.
  • I pray for all denominations and non-denominational congregations of Baltimore City to serve as a beacon of light for the healing of our city.
  • Praying for the drug-addicted and those who are in recovery organizations like NA.
  • I pray for our youth throughout Baltimore City and our state that they can grow in Christ and not be caught up in being members of gang activities.
  • Praying for our local city and state politicians and those who serve in our public safety (police & fire) that they make good decisions in governing our city and state.
  • I pray that we as Christians do what we can to actively reduce the violence in our community and to respect all people.
  • Praying as we all come together in Christ at Druid Hill Park; that we can continue to dialogue and come up with some solutions to help spread the word of healing for all our communities.
  • We pray for Joe, Myrtle, Elizabeth, and Yvonne.
  • We pray for KLARC, Pimlico, Park Heights, and Reisterstown Road communities.
  • We pray for the members of St John’s (Pimlico), our Narcotics Anonymous program, and for our special relationship with St. John Lutheran Church (Linthicum)