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.

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

Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Amen.

Catholic Health Association of the United States

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.”

(Translation by Anna Lapwood)

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)