Christians asked to pray for end to war in Ukraine

 (Photo: Unsplash/Daria Volkova)

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) is asking Christians to come together in prayer for an end to the war in Ukraine.

The ecumenical body has written a prayer for peace and is inviting churches to use it during their Sunday worship on 3 April. 

Christians are also being asked to light candles in remembrance of those affected by the "terrible" war. 

"We have all watched the unfolding conflict in Ukraine and seen the heart-breaking stories of people fleeing violence, not knowing when they'll see their loved ones again," said CTBI General Secretary Nicola Brady.

"Over two million people have fled Ukraine. Many more have been forced from their homes to seek shelter. Lives have been lost and families torn apart. Homes have been destroyed and many roads are blocked. No one is safe." 

She welcomed the "generosity and hospitality" being shown to refugees by churches in the UK and other European countries.

"We all share a feeling of horror and powerlessness but every prayer, every action brings hope to the people of Ukraine," she said. 

"Together as Christians in these islands and with our sisters and brothers in the churches of Ukraine, we pray for an end to the conflict and for peace in our world." 

CTBI's Prayer for Ukraine:

God of all peoples and nations,

Who created all things alive and breathing,

United and whole,

Show us the way of peace that is your overwhelming presence.

We hold before you the peoples of Ukraine and Russia,

Every child and every adult.

We long for the time

When weapons of war are beaten into ploughshares

When nations no longer lift up sword against nation.

We cry out to you for peace;

Protect those who only desire and deserve to live in security and safety

Comfort those who fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones

Be with those who are bereaved.

Change the hearts of those set on violence and aggression

And fill leaders with the wisdom that leads to peace.

Kindle again in us a love of our neighbour,

And a passion for justice to prevail

and a renewed recognition that we all play a part in peace.

Creator of all hear our prayer

And bring us peace. make us whole.

Amen.

News
Pro-lifers show Parliament harsh reality of abortion up to birth
Pro-lifers show Parliament harsh reality of abortion up to birth

Under the changes, a woman who terminates her pregnancy by herself after the 24-week limit will not face any legal sanctions.

SNP 'conversion therapy' ban would be 'fundamentally illiberal'
SNP 'conversion therapy' ban would be 'fundamentally illiberal'

SNP support has dropped, but they are still the frontrunners for next month's elections.

Franklin Graham pushes back against Pope's war comments amid war of words with Trump
Franklin Graham pushes back against Pope's war comments amid war of words with Trump

Graham told Piers Morgan that while he did not want or support war, there was justification for it "when you're fighting evil".

Archbishop of Canterbury joins Pope in call for peace
Archbishop of Canterbury joins Pope in call for peace

The Pope has been outspoken against the latest war in the Middle East.