We can all feel helpless in the face of the situation playing out across the Ukraine and the wider world. We can give to those in need (see Red Cross details elsewhere on the website). We can pray, but even there may feel unsure how to even start. Here are some suggestions to help you in your prayers.

From our archbishops:

God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen
(Archbishop Justin Welby; Archbishop Stephen Cottrell)

From the Taize Community:

• God of love, we are disconcerted by the violence in our world, and especially now by the acts of war in Ukraine. Enable us to stand in solidarity with those who suffer, and who live today in fear and anxiety. Sustain the hope of all those, in this beloved part of the world, who seek justice and peace. Send the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of peace, to inspire the leaders of nations and all human beings.
• Risen Christ, as we remain in silence before you, we let this ardent prayer rise up: may the firing of weapons in the land of Ukraine cease! Welcome into your love those who are dying from violence and war, console the families in mourning, support those who have had to take the road of exodus. Faced with incomprehensible suffering, we still believe that your words of love and peace will never pass. You gave your life on the cross and you opened a future for us, even beyond death. So we implore you: give us your peace. You are our hope.

From CAFOD

Loving God,
We pray for the people of Ukraine,
for all those suffering or afraid,
that you will be close to them and protect them.
 
We pray for world leaders,
for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices.
 
We pray for the world
that in this moment of crisis,
we may reach out in solidarity
to our brothers and sisters in need.
 
May we walk in your ways
so that peace and justice
become a reality for the people of Ukraine
and for all the world.
Amen

Listen as you pray to this Ukrainian Chant of the Jesus Prayer- "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us" –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEOtQ9

Pray for ourselves using this hymn:

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury, your pardon Lord
And where there is doubt true faith in You

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness only light
And where there's sadness ever joy

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
It is in giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we are born to eternal life

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there's despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness only light
And where there's sadness ever joy

Let us pray for our needy world and its poeple