Pastoral Prayer: Peace, in a Time of War

(This is a prayer we will be using this Sunday at my church, in light of the war this week that has broken out in Ukraine.)

Leader: God of the Nations,

We come to you this morning with hearts that are, for many of us, anxious and heavy over events in our world. You call us to be people of peace, people who pray for and work for your kingdom of peace to come. Yet we should not be people who say “peace, peace,” when there is no peace, and we are reminded starkly that we live in a world rent by warfare, injustice, dishonesty, and greed.

Prince of Peace, may your kingdom come…

People: God, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Leader: We pray especially this morning for Ukraine and the conflict that has erupted there this past week. Almighty Father, oppose the oppressor and uphold the cause of the helpless. Defend our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering now and who may well face persecution in the future because of these events. Protect also the many others who bear your image who are facing death, privation, and the terror of war. Stretch out your strong right hand and bring the reckoning that leads to restoration.

Prince of Peace, may your kingdom come…

People: God, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Leader: As we are reminded of the broken state of our world by the conflict in Ukraine, we also remember the brokenness all around us: homes where abuse is hidden, communities where divisions fester, and the many injustices of all the nations that leave men and women crying out for deliverance. You love righteousness and justice; the earth is filled with your steadfast love. As you have loved us and as You love the world You made, be moving in it to bring true healing.

Prince of Peace, may your kingdom come…

People: God, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Leader: Bring this peace by Your sovereign power and make us people of peace as we carry Your name. Make us quick to care for the hurting, shelter the sojourner, advocate for the helpless, and give of the gifts you have given us to aid others. Let us work for Your kingdom until the day You return and all tyrants are toppled and all wars and oppression will cease.

AMEN