A Prayer 20 months into the war in Ukraine

God of mercy, have mercy on the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia.
We don’t know what else to pray.

We admit we have given up hopes for peace, we confess we have begun to doubt this will ever end,
We know more guns, more ammunition, more weapons will only make the war longer,
We cannot imagine the pain of parents who have lost children in this war, and children who have lost parents.
We cannot imagine the pressure on medical staff and first responders, the agony of those who do into bombed buildings and shattered houses.
End this war, O Lord.

Silence the guns, end the missile launches, drive everyone to their knees before your might and power.
So that peace can come. Not a peace designed by human beings, but a peace beyond our wildest hopes, a peace where reconciliation and healing are possible and come to be.
We remember the Ukrainians who have left behind home and family, well-loved communities and friends, give them encouragement in the new lands in which they have set up homes.
We remember those Ukrainians whose families and friends have left, let them know they are cared for even while apart from loved ones.
O Lord, end this war.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.