With churches worldwide we are holding the people of Ukraine before God in prayer. You are invited to join with us at 8pm each day by lighting a candle at home, and taking a few minutes to pray, in your own words, or with this prayer:A Prayer for UkraineGod of peace and justice,we pray for the people of Ukraine today.We pray for peaceand the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.We pray for those with power over war or peace,for wisdom, discernment and compassionto guide their decisions.Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them.We pray in the name of Jesus,the Prince of Peace, Amen.
Pope Francis has invited all Christians worldwide to dedicate themselves to prayer and fasting on Ash Wednesday (2nd March). Across the Diocese of Newcastle, the UK and the world people will join in keeping this ancient discipline, for the sake of peace and to stand in solidarity with the suffering of the people of Ukraine. You are invited to spend some time on Ash Wednesday in quiet reflection, indoors or out, and to make a commitment to turn towards all that is life-giving in our world. Our churches are open for you to pray and to light a candle. We are holding services at St Aidans’s at 10am and at St Mary’s at 7pm, when prayers for Ukraine will be said, and the ancient penitential tradition of ashing will be offered, when you may receive the sign of the cross in ash on your forehead as a sign of penitence. You may like to continue your prayers for justice in our world by using the resource ‘Embracing Justice’, daily reflections for Lent; https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/apps/live-lent
March 1st 6pm: you are invited to join with the Anglican Diocese in Europe to pray for the chaplaincy in Kyiv and other churches in Ukraine on YouTube; https://europe.anglican.org/main/latest-news/post/1781-prayers-across-europe-for-peace-in-ukraineYou may prefer simply to stop at 6pm, light a candle, and say a prayer. "May God, in his mercy, answer our prayer, soften the hearts of aggressors, and strengthen those who give aid the victims of conflict and who work for the recovery of peace and freedom."
