Last week we celebrated a Blessing of the Animals service down at the foreshore, so I thought that this Sunday we would repeat a prayer that we prayed this time last year for the animals in Ukraine.

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…

Merciful God, tonight we pray especially for the animals terrified, wounded and killed as a result of the brutal war in Ukraine. 

We pray for dogs, cats, horses and other beloved companion animals left behind by their people unable to take them as they flee raining rockets of destruction. 

We pray for animals who have already died or are near death – the victims of shrapnel, gunfire, collapsing concrete and steel from exploding buildings, many months without much food, water or human care. 

We pray for the rescuers of these animals, who risk their lives in the rubble, dodging gunfire and mortars, and give thanks for their generosity, courage and faithfulness in their determination to help. We pray for their safety.

We pray for the missile-ravaged towns and cities and their wooded outskirts where wild creatures are traumatized by every percussive blast, for those that are killed, maimed or displaced and unable to find food or shelter in the chaos of war.

Dear God, we pray for all your creation, and for a time when war will be no more. Amen.

The Rev Marya DeCarlen