This week, a poem by A Rodriguez which you can read as a prayer.
dear God all that is on my mind is heavy it is the war that has brought me down below what I can usually cope with
i have so many whys … why is he getting away with this why are our powerful governments not stopping him why is meaningless loss of innocent life allowed why don’t you stop it why am i so powerless to help
i have so many whats and whens … what is the meaning of their deaths when so undeserved what will the world turn into now when we no longer protect the weak what can i do when i am so far away and my voice is meaningless to those with the guns … and i am not strong enough physically to fight them what will be left when the fighting stops
and i have hows … how can i save them how could you let this happen how many dying are begging for your help how many weeping your name how can you not intervene or … how can you can you do anything through me, if so, i am here can you tell me what to do, if so, i listen if no other questions are answered than at least this one… as your faithful tool in this world, what of you should speak through me … or what can you take from me to use in their defence? i am yours.
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…
Dear Lord,
We pray that the people of Russia and Ukraine may be at peace and reconciled once more.
We hope and pray for an end to hostility and restoration of freedom and peace, rebuilding of the homes, hospitals and churches and lives, so that the people can return. We pray that hearts and minds may be healed in your name,
Prayer for Ukraine and other war-torn countries 2/07/2023
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…
Dear God, our world is torn with war and violence. I pray that you provide this world with a peace that is only found in you. I pray for those who are suffering from the results of war and violence. I pray you provide them with both physical and mental healing. I pray for an end to these wars and acts of violence. I pray for your redemption. I pray for an end to all of the division between individuals, groups, and nations. I pray for your healing. I pray for an end to all the trauma and hurting. I pray for your love to reign over all. In Jesus’ name, Amen. (Read: Hebrews 12:12–14)
Sovereign God, We pray for the nation of Ukraine, its leaders and people. We pray that you would make your presence known to them at this time of strife. We pray for their protection and for an end to the Russian invasion. We pray for the innocent, the frightened, the dispossessed, and those who have lost loved ones, homes and family. We pray that you would bless the endeavours of those who work for peace and an end to this conflict. Have mercy, we pray, on Ukraine. May your peace rule in the hearts and minds of all. Continue to stir up the leaders of the world to work together for the good of all. We pray this in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
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…
God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Archbishop Justin Welby Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
11/06/2023
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…
O God, author and giver of peace, in whose image and likeness each of us has been created with a human dignity worthy of respect on earth and destined for eternal glory, Listen to the cry that rises from every corner of this fragile earth, from our human family torn by violent conflict:
Give peace in our time, O good and gracious God, that peace which, as your son Jesus Christ told us and as we have experienced in these days, is a peace which the world cannot give.
To world leaders grant the wisdom to see beyond the boundaries of race, religion, and nation to that common humanity that makes us all your children and brothers and sisters to one another.
To those who have taken up arms in anger or revenge or even in the cause of justice grant the grace of conversion to the path of peaceful dialogue and constructive collaboration.
To the innocent who live in the shadow of war and terror, especially the frightened children, be a shelter and strength, their haven and hope.
And to those who have already lost their lives as victims of human cruelty and chemical warfare, open wide your arms and enfold them all in the embrace of your compassion, healing, and everlasting life.
Grant this through Jesus Christ, your son, our Lord. Peter J. Scagnelli
04/06/2023
Did you know that there are 32 countries at war or engaged in some form of conflict at the moment? Let us pray for them all.
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…
Holy God, We hold before you all who live close to war and conflict; and all who live close to the threat of war and violence.
We remember especially at this time, people in Ukraine (and the other 31 countries in some form of war or conflict). We pray for nonviolent and peaceful resolutions of conflict.
Give us to us all hearts of hospitality and sanctuary, forgive us all our hostility and hatred.
Bring all people to the humanity you give us, and to the reconciliation and healing for which you give your life.
Strengthen us all to work with you to build justice and peace, reconciliation and healing, in our hearts and homes, in our streets, in all communities, neighbourhoods and nations.
Bless all who live lives for the peace and wellbeing of others, and make their service fruitful. In the name of Christ. Amen Prayer written by Revd Dr Inderjit Bhogal, Honorary President of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. I have added ‘and the other 31 countries in some form of war or conflict’.
28/05/2023
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…
Lord,
We need You. We praise You for giving us courage and strength of upheaval. Their homes and environment are changing from minute to minute. Men, women, and families of all ages are leaving their homes to escape the violence of war. Trains, buses, and other vehicles are lining up to provide refuge and help each person hopefully find peace.
As the people gather some of their needed belongings and try to keep their family together, please give them courage. Cover each person with the full armour of God. Help the people to make the right decisions according to Your plan.
Fill each man, woman, and child with the courage to endure the unknown and fearful days and nights. Build them up with the strength only You can provide.
Please give courage to the doctors, nurses, other medical professionals, and volunteers as they seek to provide comfort and care to those in need.
As warning sirens continue to sound and blasts light up the night sky, we ask for You to give everyone courage. Remind them of Your love and mercy, dear Father.
We pray these things in the name of Jesus, Amen. Christianity.com
21/05/2023
Mother’s Day was last Sunday, but during the week I found this prayer for the mothers of Kyiv in Ukraine.
God of love we cry for the people of Ukraine and pray for the innocent, the displaced and the frightened.
We rejoice in the spirit of motherhood which surrounds Kyiv.
God of Peace we pray for the families separated
We pray for the precious children at risk and in fear.
We pray for the mothers and the mothers of mothers taking on alone the burden and responsibility of family
God of mercy. We know one of your son’s last acts on earth was to ask the beloved disciple to take care of his mother. We ask you to do the same for the mothers of Ukraine
Give us the strength and courage to do likewise.
We thank you God for all mothers for all their love and care. Amen.
This 40-foot-high mural in Kyiv, painted by Oleksiy Kislov, represents the spirit of motherhood protecting Kyiv. In one hand she holds a child, her other arm is wrapped protectively around the town
14/05/2023
Our prayer this week comes from the first part of Greg Newton’s Prayers of the People from last Sunday. Thank you, Greg.
In this place we gather, seeking truth, listening beyond words for the rhythm of the Divine. We gather seeking mercy, for we find within our own hearts, the presence of shadow. We gather seeking justice, too many walls shutting out the light. Yet too, we gather to share the things our lives have found to be true. We gather to heal and shoulder burdens not our own. We gather to forgive – freeing each other into hope and new life. We gather to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who need our prayers, as ones who walk a common road. (Greta Vosper)
Let us pray: for peace…
In Sudan — may the cease fire hold for people to flee and needed care be brought to all desperate for aid. May deeper peace be sown and its roots strengthen.
In Ukraine now in their second year of fighting to protect families, homes, hospitals, schools – their entire way of life.
In Israel and Palestine.
And we pray for the United States where mass shootings happen sofrequently in places that shelter children and the most vulnerable citizens. for courage…
For children in Afghanistan and across the world whose access to education is impacted by violence, poverty and regulation.
For the LGBTQ community in Iran who rose up in protests this week asking for rights, to be seen and accepted as they are, for who they love.for healing…
In Syria and Turkey for earthquake survivors recovering physically andemotionally as they piece together lives within so much rubble, trauma andloss.
In Afghanistan where many young children die every day from preventablediseases that could and should be cured with the right medication. The Taliban’s recent ban on women working for non-profit organizations has made it harder for humanitarian agencies to operate, putting even more children and babies at risk.
For all those world-wide living with chronic illness, long-COVID, depression, anxiety and terminal disease.This we pray in your name, Lord…Amen (Greg Newton)
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…
Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27
Gracious God, we pray for all persons suffering from war.
May they be held in your loving care and protection and given the strength to
endure great suffering and hardship. Transform the hearts and minds of all
those who perpetuate violence and oppression. Grant wisdom to world leaders
in advancing efforts toward world peace; may they not be compromised by
self-interest and blind indifference. We ask all this in the name of your Son
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…
“Lord, oh the Great and Almighty, Protect our beloved Ukraine, Bless her with freedom and light Of your holy rays.
With learning and knowledge enlighten us, Your children small, In love pure and everlasting Let us, oh Lord, grow.
We pray, oh Lord Almighty, Protect our beloved Ukraine, Grant our people and country All your kindness and grace.
Bless us with freedom, Bless us with wisdom, Guide us into a kind world, Bless us, oh Lord, with good fortune Forever and ever more.”
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…
Loving God, We pray for the people of Ukraine, for all those suffering and afraid, that You will be close to them and protect them. We pray for world leaders, for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices.
We pray for the world that in this moment of crisis, we may reach out in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in need. May we walk in Your ways so that peace and justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for all the world.
In Jesus’s holy Name we pray. Amen. (The Catholic Crusade)
