The news from Ukraine grows more desperate with each hour. I’m writing this just after the Russian nuclear forces have been put on high alert. Where will this all end?
In situations like this it is hard to know what or how to pray. That’s when I turn to written prayers. I share these prayers from a number of UK churches with you to use it as a starting point for your own prayers. Let us plead together to our Lord God who is ruler over all.
Heavenly Father, we come to you with heavy hearts as the war in Ukraine becomes reality. We pray that you would be merciful on the people of Ukraine and Russia and stop this war. Grant wisdom to world leaders to effectively stop evil. Allow for the truth to be known, for lies to be shown for what they are, and for evil-doers to be thwarted.
Lord, we pray for those who have already lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Comfort and provide for the needs of those who have been displaced. Lord, we ask for mercy and we seek justice. We pray that you would be at work in both.
We pray for the day when all wars will cease and when your peaceful reign will come fully. But in the meantime, we pray that you would use us to facilitate the coming of your kingdom here and now.
Help us to take action to bring peace, to care for the victims of war, and to work for justice. Help us to live according to the principles of your Kingdom today, and to remain faithful until your Kingdom comes fully at your return. Grant courage to your church in Russia, in Ukraine, and here in the UK to speak truth to power and to prophetically proclaim the truths of your Kingdom as well as the day of grace that still remains for those who repent.
Lord, we pray for Vladimir Putin. We pray that you would change his heart and work your miracle of salvation in his life. If he continues in his wicked ways, we pray that you would restrain his evil and have mercy on those who suffer because of it.
In all these things, we trust you, because you are our loving Father. We ask that you would keep us faithful by the power of your Spirit and that you would be with your church in Ukraine—that in times of war it would faithfully follow you and represent you before the nations.
Heal the wounds, we pray, both physical and the wounds of the heart. Reconcile the nations with you and with each other by the power of the cross of our reigning Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Right now we are all feeling pretty helpless, but that we want to do something. At times like this it is good for us to know we are always helpless and depend on God almighty for all things. Kingdoms rise, but they fall. God’s Kingdom may feel small and weak, but outlasts them all and one day will be all that there is. Therefore, now is the time to pray and plea to God for Ukraine, the region and the world. No issue is too big or small for God.
He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. (Micah 4:3)
God of all, with alarm and concern we bring before you the military intervention 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. (URC)
Living God, Creator and giver of life to all people: We ask that you would hear our prayer for peace amongst the nations and for ending of conflict in Ukraine. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Living God, who shall judge between the nations: we ask that that you would lead the nations in the paths of peace and that the dividing wall of hostility would be broken down. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Living God, who has inspired faith across the ages: Grant peace in the midst of war and bring harmony to the commonwealth of nations. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Living God, who gave his only son that we might have life: We ask that you would pour out your Holy Spirit and inspire in us hope that peace will be renewed. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Amen (Church of Scotland)
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.
Lord have mercy. Amen (Methodist churches)
Imagine: John Lennon www.youtube.com/watch?v=v27CEFE02Hs
Blowin in the Wind: Bob Dylan www.youtube.com/watch?v=315Ubn3VFvI
Make me a channel of your peace www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOvQLMfppN8
Hope for the World’s despair: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIQAykpkbhw&t=34s
