A Prayer for Peace

A Prayer for Ukraine

God of peace, God of mercy, we pray for the people of Ukraine:

We lament the violence that has come to their country;
We ask for comfort for those who mourn, hope for those who despair and compassion for all who suffer;
We plead for an end to violence and aggression in their land.
O God, hear our prayer.

We pray also for the people of Russia:

We give thanks for those who protest for peace and pray for ongoing courage;
We ask for a change of heart in those who commit acts of aggression and war against their fellow citizens and neighbours;
We pray for Russians who will suffer because of sanctions and war.
O God, hear our prayer.

We pray for leaders around the world:

We pray that world leaders might work for an end to war, and for the establishing of peace in every region and country;
We seek wisdom for those who are making life and death decisions about how to respond to violence and threats of violence;
We ask for courage for those who campaign for peace.
O God, hear our prayer.

We pray for aid workers and journalists:

We give thanks for the willingness of aid workers to work in situations of war and unrest in order to meet the needs of others;
We ask for safety, wisdom and compassion for all working to alleviate suffering and heal the wounded;
We pray for journalists and media organisations reporting the situation in Ukraine and Russia, that they may report truthfully and compassionately.
O God, hear our prayer.

We pray for peace:

We lament violence around the world; 
We plead for the ceasing of violence and the establishment of peace;
We pray that you might give us a desire for peace and a willingness to work and hope and pray for peace each day.  

Amen.

Source: Uniting Church Australia