Prayer for Healing
Holy One, as Jesus heals by rebuking the unclean spirit,
we need you to heal our world.
We ask for protection for the people of Ukraine,
where unprovoked—suddenly--
bombs are falling and tanks are rolling in.
Deliver these people from all evil.
Preserve them from the wrath of enemies, says the Psalm.
Holy One, calm those who are afraid--
especially the children, the separated families--
those huddled in subway stations and packed into crowded trains.
Be with those struggling to take care of the elderly,
the very young, the disabled.
Be with those sweeping up broken glass.
Holy One, be with the people everywhere
who are on the run from violence and aggression,
and be with the people who welcome strangers into safe harbors.
We pray for the people of Russia too. And for people all over the world.
Grant us a new vision; a new way forward
into the blessings of shared and cooperative life.
Deliver us all from evil.
Preserve us from the wrath of enemies.
This week, some of this warfare seems so far away
as we shovel snow and get groceries.
But we know it exists…
And we know too your love can surprise, dazzle and transform.
So come, Holy Spirit, come:
be in the hearts and minds and decisions of the leaders of all nations.
Summon them into productive dialogue and new direction.
Stretch out your hand and end this tragedy.
Bring about peace.
Holy and Gracious God,
May we all see you not only on mountaintops, but even,
finally, in this place the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, age 175,
and all its members and friends, past, present and future.
Guard us, guide us, forgive us, strengthen us, enlighten us.
Help us to bear witness to the joys and sorrows of all people,
and empower us to do your will.
This we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
--Rev. Judy Swahnberg
Click HERE for a video of this prayer from last Sunday's service
