Light a candle, as a visible sign of the light of Christ, who is the light of the

world.

Take a deep breath. Feel the breath of God that has given you life.

Centre yourself and pray…

Gracious, merciful, and loving God. We ought to look to you in every condition of life. But we most certainly seek your heart, your direction, and your will in this hour of crisis. Once again, we your children find ourselves shaken by our fears, insecurities, and anxieties as we watch war continuing in Ukraine. Receive our prayers for the people of Ukraine and Russia. We pray for the leaders of state in those countries, Europe, and the world that they will give themselves whole heartedly to negotiation and diplomacy as the best path to peace. We confess that all too often we give in to the impulses of aggression, violence, greed, and hatred rather than pursuing the work of peace making, peace building and peace keeping. Quicken all of our hearts to the truth of the Gospel that we are loved by you with an everlasting love and that there is enough for all people to flourish. Abiding in that love may we find the peace that “surpasses knowledge.” We pray in the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace. Amen.

Gregory V Palmer