Dear Friends –
As we follow the troubling news of the events transpiring in Ukraine, we lift up prayers for peace and reach out to those we know who are so closely impacted. Here are several prayers included in “Prayer Book for Armed Services,” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2013).
Those who suffer from war
Merciful God, you grieve amid the pain, fear, and suffering of your children. Look with compassion on all who endure the miseries of war. Be mindful, too, of those who day and night face peril in defense of our nation. Guide them in their duties as they seek justice for those subjected to tyranny and liberty for those who are oppressed. Eternal Protector of the helpless, hear the cry of the distressed and grant speedy deliverance in a new day of peace and concord.
Amen. – p. 65
Peace among the nations
Gracious God, grant peace among nations. Cleanse from our own hearts the seeds of strife: greed and envy, harsh misunderstandings and ill will, fear and desire for revenge. Make us quick to welcome ventures in cooperation among the peoples of the world, so that there may be woven the fabric of a common good too strong to be torn by the evil hands of war. In the time of opportunity, make us be diligent; and in the time of peril, let not our courage fail; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. – p.70
A portion of “Litany for the Nation in Time of War”
To comfort those under the constant strain of apprehension;
to remember those in captivity;
to bind up the wounded, sheltering them under your care;
to stretch out your arm
to all who are lonely, tempted, or discouraged;
to have mercy upon all who trust in you:
we ask this, O Lord.
To hasten the day of peace;
to cast away the threads of hate;
to forgive our enemies;
to scatter any who delight in war;
and to renew steadfast faith within us:
hear us, good Lord, and receive our prayer.
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An Interfaith Call to Peace for Ukraine
February 24, 2022
Though we have been anxious about the recent growing tensions between Ukraine and Russia and between Russia and the NATO countries in recent weeks, we remain deeply concerned, as we have been since 2014, for the impact of this ongoing conflict on innocent civilians throughout Ukraine. All parties to the conflict must take every measure possible to protect civilians. All parties and the international community must renew efforts to de-escalate this threat to international peace and security.
All our religious traditions call us to pray and work for peace. We join our voices and hands together. We must open our eyes to those who are suffering, and we cannot remain indifferent to the injustice this conflict has brought on the people of Ukraine and may bring on people of neighboring countries.
We call on all those involved—whether governments, movements or individuals—to repent of aggression and violence, and turn instead to the way of peace through dialogue. We also call upon the faithful people of our congregations and communities to pray for wisdom, peace and justice to prevail in Ukraine.
Join us as we pray:
Oh Divine, most mighty, most merciful, our sacred stories tell us that you help and save your people. You are the fortress: may there be no more war. You are the harvest: may there be no more hunger. You are the light: may no one die alone or in despair. Oh Divine, most majestic, most motherly, grant us your life. Amen.
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Eddy Alemán
General Secretary, Reformed Church in America
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer
General Minister and President, United Church of Christ, National Ministries
Bishop Sally Dyck
Ecumenical Officer, The United Methodist Church
Rev. Teresa Hord Owens
General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada
Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton
Fifth Episcopal District, The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Chair, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
President, Churches Uniting in Christ
Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller
President, Provincial Elders’ Conference, Moravian Church Northern Province
Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Mr. Basharat Saleem
Executive Director, Islamic Society of North America
Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia
Executive Director, Religions for Peace USA
Rev. Chris Thore
President, Provincial Elders’ Conference, Moravian Church Southern Province
