Prayers for Ukraine

In response to the invasion of Ukraine, Church Leaders are offering Prayers

Church of England

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell have condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine as ‘an act of great evil.’ They are urging Christians to make this Sunday a special day of prayer for Ukraine, Russia and for peace. They are also supporting a global day of prayer and fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday.

In a joint statement they said: ‘The horrific and unprovoked attack on Ukraine is an act of great evil. Placing our trust in Jesus Christ, the author of peace, we pray for an urgent ceasefire; a withdrawal of Russian forces; a resolute and public decision never to use force and an international conference to find long term agreements for stable peace. We call for Christians to make this Sunday a day for prayer for Ukraine, Russia and for peace. We also give our support to the call from Pope Francis for a global day of prayer and fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday, March 2.’

Roman Catholic Church

Pope Francis has invited everyone to make 2 March, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. At the end of his General Audience of Wednesday 23 February, the Pontiff said, ‘I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.’

Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, Eparchial Bishop of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the UK, has addressed his community and all people of good will as Russia invades Ukraine:

‘The day that we have been hoping would never come has arrived. This morning we woke up to hear the news that Russia has unleashed its troops into an invasion of Ukrainian soil as well as firing missiles into Ukrainian territory. We have been inviting people of goodwill to join Ukrainian Catholics in the United Kingdom to pray for peace in Ukraine these last several weeks. I want to thank you all for these prayers and for standing with Ukraine. Now more than ever before your prayers and your acts of solidarity with the Ukrainian people are needed. We call upon our government leaders and those in positions of power to remain steadfast in support of Ukraine against those who are waging this war upon the innocent citizens of Ukraine. We place the people of Ukraine under the protection of the Holy Family, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, and the holy and righteous St Joseph the Betrothed.

(https://www.cbcew.org.uk/ukrainian-bishop-calls-on-government-to-support-ukraine-as-russia-invades/)

Assemblies of God

Methodist Church

Holy and Gracious God

We pray for the people of the 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

(https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/news/latest-news/all-news/a-prayer-for-ukraine/)

United Reformed Church

Holy God,

We hold before you all who live close to war and conflict; and all who live close to the threat of war and violence.
We remember especially at this time, people in Ukraine and Russia. We pray for nonviolence and peaceful resolutions of conflict.
Give us hearts of hospitality and sanctuary, forgive us all our hostility and hatred.
Bring all people to the humanity you give us, and to the reconciliation and healing for which you gave your life.
Strengthen us all to work with you to build justice and peace, reconciliation and healing, in our hearts and homes, in our streets, in all communities, neighbourhoods and nations.
Bless all who live lives for the peace and wellbeing of others, and make their service fruitful.
In the name of Christ.

Amen

(Revd Inderjit Bhogal, Honorary President, The Fellowship of Reconciliation https://for.org.uk/)

(https://urc.org.uk/your-faith/prayer-and-worship/a-prayer-for-ukraine/)

Quakers in Britain

Quakers urge Peace in Ukraine