Prayers for Ukraine

Much of what is gathered for Ukraine concerns war: the unrest and occupation that came first, the wider invasion that followed, and the families displaced into Poland and other countries. Elections, freedom of speech and the grain harvest also appear, along with prayers for medical workers and for ceasefires that have not yet held.

We Pray the Promise: An Ash Wednesday Prayer for Ukraine, South Sudan, and Syria (February 20, 2014)

First, a story. The first time I came to an Ash Wednesday service – in a time when churches were still very clear as to what the not-yet-baptized could participate in – I hadn’t thought to ask beforehand if I could receive the ashes. So I rather uneasily followed the line forward, and the Rector paused, hesitated, when […]

Humility and Perseverance: A Prayer for Negotiations, Climate Change, and an End to Executions (January 30, 2014)

God, on whom we rely, hear this prayer for humility and perseverance. You know that we are ever tempted to reject the better for the perfect. Help us embrace the possibilities unfolding in negotiations between the United States and Syria, in disputes in Ukraine, wherever progress, even modest progress, is being made. Free of implementation […]

Jesus Calls Us Still: Prayers for Migrants Lost off Greece, the Geneva Talks on Syria, and Kiev (January 23, 2014)

Just as Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow him long ago, Jesus calls us today to follow him. One of the ways we follow is through prayer. Let us join our hearts together and pray. Holy God, help us we pray, to hear your call to us. Make us ready to change the […]

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: An Advent Prayer to Set the Captives Free (December 19, 2013)

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. We are still waiting for you. We are waiting for the Prince of Peace. We are waiting for the Wisdom from on high. We are waiting for the King of all nations. O come and set the captives free. Free those who are captive to violence. The people of Syria, […]