Rev Sue’s article for the April issue of our parish magazine are prayers for those in Ukraine. Here they are for you again:
These prayers for Ukraine were written for the Methodist church website at the beginning of the conflict in February, but I make no apology for repeating them here. As the situation develops certain things remain the same. We must pray for peace, for those whose actions affect the lives of millions, for the refugees, the injured, the bereaved and the traumatised. Use these words, or your own, or hold the situation before God in silent prayer. But, however you do it, pray.
Loving God, your Son Jesus Christ, wept over Jerusalem.
Today, we weep over Ukraine.
We weep for those uprooted from their homes and lives.
We weep for those cowering in basements.
We weep for those who have witnessed death and destruction on their streets.
We weep for those separated from parents, from children, from spouses and siblings.
We are amazed at the resilience of people seeking to comfort those in need and so we pray for Governments opening up borders so that Ukrainians can have safe passage.
We pray for churches and individuals providing food, clothing and shelter.
We pray for medical workers ensuring that shattered bodies are put back together again.
We pray for ordinary Russians demonstrating and voicing their disapproval of the military actions in Ukraine.
May the Holy Spirit give us the willpower to turn our tears into action also.
May we, through our words, prayers and example pursue the things that make for a just peace in the world today and especially in Ukraine.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen
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 for Ukraine.
And we ask this in the name of your blessed Son.
Amen
https://www.methodist.org.uk/our-faith/prayer/prayers-for-ukraine/
Rev Sue
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 