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 and Merciful God,

We pray today for the Ukrainian people and ask for Your intervention in this senseless war levied against them by Russia. We pray, O God, for protection and that there would be peace. We pray for restoration and renewed hope. We pray for the families, especially, the children living through the horrors of war and all the upheaval and tribulation it brings. We also pray for those protesting in Russia against these violent acts by their government. We ask that You would protect, cover and keep these protesters as they put their bodies on the line in the name of what is just and righteous. We pray for the entire world community, including the leaders in our own country. Give them wisdom and ingenuity to respond in ways that ends this war and moves us all to a world where Your peace abides. Hear the cries of Your people, O God. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Amen.

From Dr. Tony Kireopoulos, Associate General Secretary, Faith and Order and Interfaith Relations:

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,
Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth.
Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust.
Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace.
Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe.
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…

A Prayer for Peace

We are moulded, each one of us,
in the image of God,
and within our souls there is a fingerprint
none can erase.
We pray for those who have no regard
for anyone but self,
who put no value on human life.
For nations and individuals who abuse and kill.
We are not called to be judge or jury,
but we are called to be agents of change,
and if the butterfly that flaps its wings
should be our attitude to others
then so be it, Lord,
and may the hurricane this generates
somewhere within the world
reach into the hearts and souls of those
for whom we pray, and reveal to them
how precious are those
for whom they have no love,
and how precious are they
who now bring tears to the eyes of God.

– John Birch

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 or 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.

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 all,
with alarm and concern we bring before you
the war in Ukraine.

In a world you made for peace and flourishing,
we lament the use of armed force.

We mourn every casualty of this conflict,
every precious life extinguished by war.
We pray comfort for those who grieve 
and those who are fearful.

Hear our longing that leaders and nations 
will honour the worth of all people 
by having the courage to resolve conflict through dialogue.

May all our human failings be transformed
by your wonderful grace and goodness.

We ask this in the name of Christ,
the author of peace and sustainer of Creation.

Amen.
Joint Public Issues Team

Another poem this week, to be read as a prayer

Every time I See

a sunflower,
I think of you.
Fleeing from shells that hit
your homeland,
running from tanks that
invade your space.

Leaving soldiers to fight for you
many of your friends have died.

You should be free
to wander peaceful roads
but that cannot be
for now
but maybe
one day
you will come back
to find sunflowers growing.

I can’t put a name,
a voice or a face to
your person.
But whoever you are
in Ukraine
I think of you.

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,

Jesus Christ the Lord, Amen.

Renata Clayton

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)

Author unknown

A Prayer for Ukraine

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.