A prayer for peace on Palm Sunday

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This prayer from the URC highlights fatal terrorist attacks in Israel, 22 March – 7 April 2022.

  • We continue to pray for those affected by war in Ukraine, remembering there is ongoing conflict and devastation in other places too.
  • ISIS has claimed responsibility for three of four fatal terror attacks in Israel in the past three weeks.
  • Armed conflict continues around the world today. We work and pray for a time when all sorrows cease and all people will live in peace.

 

God of all,

On this day of celebration and triumph,
of palm waving and hosannas,
we pause, as Jesus did, to cry for peace in Jerusalem,
and in the Holy Land.

Lord, bring your peace
and make us peacemakers.

As Jesus wept over the city,
we think of families that weep for loved ones
in Be’er Sheva, Hadera, Bnei Brak and Tel Aviv,
and pray for peace to prevail.

Lord, bring your peace
and make us peacemakers.

In every place of conflict,
far away or nearby,
on our screens or hidden from view,
protect the vulnerable, we pray.

Lord, bring your peace
and make us peacemakers.

Amen

 

We Pray for Ukraine

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We are invited to share this prayer on Sunday 3rd April

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.

 

Prayer for Peace

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Worship leaders across the Church are being encouraged to use a special ecumenical prayer for peace in Ukraine as part of their services this Sunday.

It has been produced by the Scottish Church Leaders Forum in response to the invasion and they stand in solidarity with all those who face the perils of war and the fear that ensues when the bonds of peace are broken.

Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly and one of the signatories, said: “All of us have looked on in horror as Russian forces launched a full-scale assault on Ukraine in the last 24 hours.

“We urge President Putin to cease hostilities and call on all parties to agree a ceasefire and return immediately to the negotiating table.

“I would encourage all worship leaders across the Church of Scotland to consider incorporating this prayer in their services this Sunday as we continue to hold the Ukrainian people in our thoughts and send them our full support.”

 

Living God,
Creator and giver of life to all people:
We ask that you would hear our prayer for peace amongst the nations
And for ending of conflict in Ukraine.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Living God,
Who shall judge between the nations:
We ask that that you would lead the nations in the paths of peace
And that the dividing wall of hostility would be broken down.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Living God,
Who has inspired faith across the ages:
Grant peace in the midst of war
And bring harmony to the commonwealth of nations.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Living God,
Who gave his only Son that we might have life:
We ask that you would pour out your Holy Spirit
And inspire in us hope that peace will be renewed.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

 

 

Signed by:

Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly, Church of Scotland
Most Rev. Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Roman Catholic Church
Most Rev. Mark Strange, Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops, Scottish Episcopal Church
Lt. Col. Carol Bailey, Secretary for Scotland, Salvation Army
Adwoa Bittle, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Rev. Dr David Miller, Moderator, United Free Church of Scotland
Rev. Neil MacMillan, Moderator, Free Church of Scotland
Rev. Paul Whittle, Moderator, United Reformed Church (Scotland)
Rev. Martin Hodson, General Director, Baptist Union of Scotland
Rev. Mark Slaney, District Chair, Methodist Church (Scotland)
Rev. Thomas R. Wilson, Chair, Congregational Federation in Scotland