A prayer for Ukraine

Peace is so much more than the absence of war. It is a gift to be received and a decision, and choice we make that shapes the way we live well alongside each other. It characterises our relationship with God. It comes into being by seeking justice. 

We pray for those in Ukraine who suffer grievously, for all who take decisions around the world, and for the people and leaders of Russia too.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have invited us to make Sunday 27 February as a day of prayer for peace and Tuesday 1 March at 6pm to pray with the Diocese in Europe for the chaplaincy in Kyiv and the churches that serve Ukraine;

To follow Pope Francis’s call to make Ash Wednesday, 2 March, a day of prayer and fasting for peace. You can find more resources on the Church of England website at

https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and resources/

praying-peace-world

A prayer for Ukraine

Holy and Gracious God

We pray for the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia; for their countries and their leaders.

We pray for all those who are afraid; that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear.

We pray for all those who have the power over life and death; that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness.

We pray for those who choose war; that they will remember that you direct your people to turn our swords into ploughshares and seek for peace.

We pray for leaders on the world stage; that they are inspired by the wisdom and courage of Christ.

Above all, Lord, today we pray for peace in Ukraine.

And we ask this in the name of your blessed Son.

Lord have mercy.

Amen