We pray for the people of Israel and Palestine amid the escalating violence.
We pray for those killed and injured by rockets from Gaza in southern Israel.
May your rod and staff comfort them.
We pray for those who are grieving. May they know your ever-present help.
We pray for the protection of those who have been taken hostage by Hamas.
As they walk through this dark valley, may they fear no evil.
We pray for the civilians of Gaza.
May they know that their help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth.
And we pray for those in leadership in Gaza and Israel.
May you guide them along the right paths.
We ask all this in union with Christ and trusting in the power of your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
—from The Association of English Cathedrals (AEC)
A Prayer for Ukraine
Lord God,
We ask you to hold the people of Ukraine deep in your heart.
Protect them, we pray;
from violence,
from political gamesmanship,
from being used and abused.
Give, we pray,
the nations of the world the courage
and the wisdom
to stand up for justice
and the courage too,
to dare to care―generously.
Lord, in your mercy,
take from us all
the tendencies in us
that seek to lord it over others:
take from us those traits
that see us pursuing our own needs and wants
before those of others.
Teach us how to live in love
and dignity
and respect―following your example.
In your name and for your sake,
Amen
―Issued by Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and the Very Rev. Dr. Susan Brown, convener of the Faith Impact Forum, Church of Scotland