Prayer for Peace
Introduction
Last month marked 2 years since Russia invaded Ukraine. The cost of the violence continues to mount. We pray that the efforts to support Ukraine in their resistance may continue and even increase. May our collective prayer also intensify during this Lenten time. May we be open to God's transformative power of love in our world, and be instruments of Christ's peace.
Mantra: “Make Me An Instrument” by Kurt Van Sickle,
Make me an instrument Lord, of Thy peace … as I let go, as I release.
Make me an instrument humble and free … as I awaken the living Christ in me,
Make me an instrument Lord, of Thy peace … as I give love1 love I receive.
Make me an instrument humble and free … as I awaken the living Christ in me.
A Prayer for Ukraine – Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton – Faith Vail for Peace in Ukraine
O Lord, God of Life, as you care for all of creation, give us your peace.
May our security come not from weapons, but from respect.
May our strength come not from violence, but love.
May our wealth come not from money, but sharing.
May our path be not one of ambition, but justice.
May our victory not be one of revenge, but of forgiveness.
Unarmed and confident, help us defend the dignity of all creation.
Sharing today and always the bread of solidarity and peace.
God of Peace, we pray for the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and of the countries in the region of Eastern Europe, for all people who experience violence in our world. Let us pray … Loving God, hear our prayer.
God of Justice, we pray for all who are held hostage by people bearing arms, by politics based on a balance of terror, by their own fears and prejudices. Let us pray … Loving God, hear our prayer.
God of Mercy, we pray for families who are separated and people who are exiled from the land of their birth by frontiers, by borders, by divisions in the minds of men and women … Loving God, hear our prayer.
God of Compassion, we pray for leaders of governments and those whose words and actions influence the situation in the world. May they not tolerate injustice nor seek refuge in violence … Loving God, hear our prayer.
Silent Reflection
We walk this Lenten Journey
With immigrants and refugees,
Lost, unsure of their journey’s end,
Still longing for a home.
We walk with those in poverty,
Unable to live lives of dignity,
Besieged by hunger and fear,
Trying to hold on day by day.
We walk with those mourning
What is happening in God’s creation
Calling us all to better care and stewardship
of the earth, its creatures, and all growing things.
We walk with women who are trafficked,
Who are abused, who are harassed,
Who still live in the silences,
And who want to flee the darkness.
We walk with peacemakers,
Walking a very rocky road toward peace
When so much conflict rages
And so many fan the flames of violence.
We walk with all those carrying burdens,
Yet we walk in faith in hope.
Despite the suffering of the Cross,
We walk toward an Easter dawning.
We move toward the seemingly impossible
Resurrection, a time of justice and peace.
We walk, called forward through the darkness
By the Risen Christ.
In his name we pray. Amen.
--Jane Deren, PhD, Education for Justice
Silent Reflection
Mantra: “Make Me An Instrument” by Kurt Van Sickle,
Make me an instrument Lord, of Thy peace … as I let go, as I release.
Make me an instrument humble and free … as I awaken the living Christ in me,
Make me an instrument Lord, of Thy peace … as I give love1 love I receive.
Make me an instrument humble and free … as I awaken the living Christ in me.