I wanted to share with you a prayer I wrote at the beginning of Lent. It can be prayed together or alone, out loud or inward. I don’t think I need to say much more. If you like, once you’ve read through it yourself add your own ‘Christ have mercy’ in the comments section as a way of praying this together, here.
For Ukraine
For the afraid, the young,
the anxious and unborn,
who with frail mortal power
face the sledge of unjust war.
Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.
For the fleeing, the homeless,
and the recently stateless,
who for family or fear have
entered a new unknown.
Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.
For the innocent and stayed,
in defiance or defence,
living under missile’s shadow,
and sirens of impending death.
Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.
For the government, the diplomats,
the planners and the strategists,
whom seek to defend life and
minimise the human cost of war.
Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.
For the soldiers, the enemy,
who gravely follow Satan’s tempts,
slaying needlessly your holy image,
little knowing what they do.
Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.
For ourselves, our neighbours,
and the family of the church,
who with words or intentions,
war against others in our hearts,
holding within us the same
capacity for harm.
Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.
Come Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Christ have mercy.
Maranatha!
Christ have mercy