Dear Lord— Author of all peace who through your son reconciled us to yourself, we pray for peace in our world at a time of heightened tensions.    

We pray: 

for our governments and political leaders – for wise counsel and sound initiative to defuse tension 

for diplomats – that they may have space to negotiate 

for the people of Ukraine – that their close ties with the people of Russia and other neighbours will remain strong even in the face of military threat.  We pray that all governments commit time to dialogue and understanding, respect the will and freedom of all peoples, invest in welfare and alleviation of poverty and reject militarism and the threat of violence. 

May Christ’s teaching and example be our inspiration, may hearts and minds be changed, and may your Holy Spirit be at work transforming each of us day by day, Through your everlasting grace and mercy.      

Amen