Prayer List
Holy God,
Hear our prayers for all those who will die today because of war in Ukraine and other war-torn countries all over this world. Grant them an end to the suffering of this world and eternal peace that is only found in You.
We pray for the people of Ukraine, Russia, and all nations — that war and bloodshed can be avoided and a new, just peace can be forged out of this crisis.
We ask God grant wisdom to the leaders of nations, calling them to end provocation on all sides and invest instead in “the things that make for peace” as called for in all our faith traditions (Luke 19:41-2).
We pray for an end to the deep insecurity and mistrust on all sides, and call on leaders to build trust, based not on military might or alliances, but on the basis of our shared future and common humanity. Now is a time in which past harm should be acknowledged and addressed, and new partnerships can be envisioned.
We pray for and call on our leaders to have the courage to take small, verifiable, and independent steps toward peace, inviting others to reciprocate. Now is time to invest in conflict resolution, diplomacy and international cooperation — not more weapons which only escalate tension in the region.
Be with those suffering in ways that we cannot.
Protect them from devastation in ways those positioned in authority will not. Shield and comfort them as they confront the terror of violence that surrounds them. Hold them close to your heart and stay the hand of the enemies against them. Give us the courage and the strength to cry aloud against wickedness in high places that dare to harm others made in your image.
Comfort the children and heed their cries to be saved from harm in this world.
Make us a people who love our children, all of our children, more than we love greed, power, and control. Overturn governments of tyranny wherever they are found. Disrupt the intentions of evil and give us power to stand against demonic forces of greed and control. Grant that peace and justice come to warring nations by the hands of those courageous enough to stand and study war no more.
Let Your kin-dom come on earth as it is in heaven, we pray.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*Prayer by the UCC National Leadership
This week we pray for:
Deb Hostettler
Prayers of strength and confort for Deb and her family as she undergoes diagnostic tests this week to evaluate a serious health issue.
Caryl Slater
Prayers for peace and comfort for Caryl as she grieves the loss of one of her furry companions.
Erin Guzmán, COW Chaplain
Prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving for Erin who will be ordained into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament on Saturday, April 2nd at 1pm. The service will be held at First Presbyterian Church. Blessings on this new chapter in your life as the Chaplain at the College of Wooster.
Prayers for our home-bound members who may experience an increased sense of isolation and loneliness due to the pandemic.
We pray for the lingering challenges at the US southern border, and especially for the many around the world seeking asylum, help, and care.
We pray for the people struggling for freedom, peace and justice; for places torn by conflict, famine and violence. We give thanks for all who work to make this world a more peaceful place.
We pray for wisdom and patience so that all will continue to do the right thing to protect the wellbeing of our communities.
