Praying for peace in Ukraine

Please join us in praying for peace in Ukraine. We are setting aside the Lady Chapel on Saturday mornings for anyone who wants to come and pray for Ukraine. There will be some prayer ideas on the table and a bucket at the back for anyone who wants to give a cash donation.

At the last All Age Service, the discussion group considered the relevance of Psalm 31 for Ukraine. Here are some thoughts from Chris Duffett, inspired by this Psalm.

It’s hard to have the words to pray for Ukraine. Psalm 31 is an ancient poem that many have turned to within Ukraine as a declaration over the country and their lives as they come under attack. One version of the bible describes God and his protection in these terms ‘…ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world. You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces, you silence the poisonous gossip.’ It is a hard hitting Psalm that doesn’t mince words when it comes to conflict and persecution.

The following prayer is my interpretation inspired by the Psalm.

LORD God help the people of Ukraine to take refuge in you. Turn your ear to them and come quickly to their rescue; be their rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save them.

Hide them safely in the shelter of your presence

​I pray that you will not give the people of Ukraine into the hands of the enemy, set their feet in a spacious place. In their distress and sorrow, come and strengthen them and where people are in anguish come and comfort them.

Hide them safely in the shelter of your presence ​

Help the people of Ukraine to trust in you, LORD God, deliver them from the hands of their enemies, from those who pursue them. Let your face shine upon them, save them in your unfailing love.

Hide them safely in the shelter of your presence

LORD God, we praise you as we believe you will show the people of Ukraine your wonders of your love, show them how you hear them when they cry for mercy when they call out for help. Help them to be strong and to take heart and to have hope in you.

Hide them safely in the shelter of your presence

Amen