PRAYERS IN TIME OF WAR

Prayers in time of war.

Lord, God, of infinite mercy, we pray that you would look in compassion upon those now involved in war. Pardon our offences, our pride and arrogance, our self-sufficiency and forgetfulness of you. Give wisdom to leaders, courage and endurance to the armed forces. Look in mercy on those immediately exposed to peril, to conflict, sickness and death. Be with the dying; give to them true repentance and true trust in you; and in the day of judgment, good Lord, deliver them. Finally, we pray that you would remove in your good providence all causes and occasions of war; to dispose all hearts and those of our enemies to moderation; and of your great goodness, to restore peace among the nations; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Patrick’s Breastplate

May the strength of God support us;

May the power of God preserve us;

May the wisdom of God instruct us;

May the hand of God protect us;

May the way of God direct us;

May the shield of God defend us;

May the host of God guard us against the snares of evil and the temptations of the world;

May Christ be with us, Christ before us, Christ in us, Christ over us.

May your salvation, Lord, be always ours, this day and for evermore. Amen.

For evacuated children

Blessed Jesus, who in the days of your flesh did share the life of an earthly home, look in mercy upon the children of Ukraine who have been taken from their homes. May their families reveal to them the joy of a Christian home; sustain and comfort their parents; strengthen and inspire all those who are helping them; and when the war is over restore them to homes made safe by the victory of your righteousness; we ask it for your Name’s sake, the Prince of Peace. Amen.

For mothers

Lord Jesus Christ, whose blessed mother was allowed to stand by the Cross and share your suffering: Give to all mothers, stricken by the death of their dear ones, such trust in you that even in the hour of darkness their souls may be comforted. Amen.

For an end to the war

Almighty God, who can bring good out of evil, and make even the wrath of man to turn to your praise: We pray that you would consider and dispose the issue of this war, that we may be brought through strife to a lasting peace, and that the nations of the world may be united in a firmer fellowship for the promotion of your glory and the good of all humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.