A prayer for Ukraine – from Presbyterian Disaster Relief. USA.

God of mercy, justice and peace:

Our spirits are heavy with sorrow, our souls shocked

At the sudden and breathtaking violence,

the invasion of Ukraine by their neighbour, Russia.

We pray for lives caught in the grip of war,

who hear the bombs in the night,

the ominous movement of troops on the road into town

the whistle of incoming shells,

for a cry from a desperate neighbour or a shout of warning.

For those who huddle in subways and basements

or flee for the borders, clutching their children’s hands

We pray for families separated from fathers, brothers and sons

who must remain to fight and protect their homeland.

We pray for neighbours in Eastern and Central Europe

As their hearts and doors open to these refugees

That strained resources will become an abundance of hope

That fears and struggles with racism will yield to a generosity of profound welcome

That communities of faith within Ukraine will be protected from harm

and sustained in their efforts to feed and shelter their neighbours.

That peacemakers and protesters in Russia will be heard and their lives preserved.

May we undergird our prayers with tangible resources to help.

May we reach deeply, give generously, and welcome extravagantly.

May we lift our voices in a strong and unified advocacy.

May we all, even as we breathe in lament, breathe out mercy, hope and peace.

In the name of Christ. Amen.