Ukraine without war - prayers and peacetime pictures

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Each day presents new challenges, more horrors to the people of Ukraine. They need our prayers more than ever as each horrible day is followed by another. Please therefore read these following prayers, all of which can be applied to their desperate plight.

Our first prayer was written by Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell.

God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and 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 compassion to 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.

Lydia’s prayer.

God of love,
We pray for peace in our world, and an end to war.
Instead of hatred, let there be love.
Shelter your children and protect us.
Guide us and keep us from harm, so we can build a world of love and live our lives in peace.
Amen.

Intercession prayers taken from the Church of England's Common Worship.

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

We pray for the leaders of the nations,
that you will guide them in the ways of freedom, justice and truth.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We pray for those who bear arms on behalf of the nation,
that they may have discipline and discernment,
courage and compassion.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies, and those who wish us harm,
that you will turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We pray for the wounded and the captive,
the grieving and the homeless,
that in all their trials they may know your love and support.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

Most holy God and Father,
hear our prayers for all who strive for peace
and all who fight for justice.
Help us, who today remember the cost of war,
to work for a better tomorrow;
and, as we commend to you lives lost in terror and conflict,
bring us all, in the end, to the peace of your presence;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Anonymous.

In all wars there is death. In all wars there is destruction. In all wars there is hatred. But all wars must come to an end and peace and love must prevail. Dearest Father, let this be so in Ukraine and throughout the World. Amen.

We become accustomed to shocking images of death and destruction in Ukraine. As an antidote to this and as a reminder of what should be, we invite you to click on the first download button to view a collage of pictures from across the country, showing its normal state and not ravaged by war.

Should you wish to donate funds to help the people of Ukraine then there are many charitable organisations who are working extremely hard to help alleviate the suffering they are enduring. These agencies include, among others, MSF, UNICEF, Mercy Corps, Red Cross and Save the Children. We at St Paternus are supporting the ShelterBox Ukraine Appeal.

You can place your donation on their website via the following link:
https://www.shelterbox.org/ukraine-crisis/appeal
Please view the ShelterBox Ukraine Appeal Video on YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch v=3E02e6WSUVk

If you are planning to visit the church then you are most welcome to place your donation in the collection box near the south door

SO PLEASE CONTINUE TO GIVE GENEROUSLY. THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE ARE GOING TO NEED OUR HELP FOR A LONG TIME TO COME.

You can also download and print your own copy of our appeal poster, should you wish to help spread the word by placing it in a prominent place.


PLEASE NOTE. This and all other entries in 'News and Notices' are usually listed in order of publishing date or latest amendment date.