A short service consisting of a psalm, a reading and a prayer, which you might like to incorporate elements of into your daily prayer, perhaps also lighting a candle for the people of Ukraine.

From Psalm 83

O God, do not keep silence;
do not hold your peace or be still, O God!
Even now your enemies are in tumult;
those who hate you have raised their heads.

O God, do not keep silence

They lay crafty plans against your people;
they consult together against those you protect.
They say, ‘Come, let us wipe them out as a nation;
let the name of Israel be remembered no more.’

O God, do not keep silence

Fill their faces with shame,
so that they may seek your name, O Lord.
Let them know that you alone,
whose name is the Lord,
are the Most High over all the earth.

O God, do not keep silence

​A Reading from Romans 12:14-21

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, 
but associate with the lowly; 
do not claim to be wiser than you are. 
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, 
but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 
If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, 
live peaceably with all. 

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, 
but leave room for the wrath of God; 
for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ 
No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; 
if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; 
for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

A Prayer for the People of Ukraine

God of endless love and unchanging truth,

Our hearts despair at the extent of human wickedness,
And break for those who are being so tragically
and unjustly hurt and killed by the attack on Ukraine.

Yet we give you thanks that even in the midst of the horror,
there are so many glimpses of hope, 
in the human kindness and generosity that is being shown,
amongst a shocked and fearful people.

Today and in the days that follow,
We pray for every life that has been turn upside down 
or changed by injury or displacement, 
or loss of friends and loved ones
or fear for the future;

For those whose who are fearful and despairing;
For those who are selflessly responding to the needs of others, 
And will continue to provide care, support and healing.

We pray for all political and community leaders
And those who face the difficult task of protecting and defending their communities,
And nurturing those values on which their well-being depends.

Help us all to build a better world;
A world where difference is seen as an opportunity to broaden our understanding;
Disagreement as the chance to learn and grow,
Where faith is reclaimed to bring out the best of human flourishing,
And turn hearts to all that is good and true,

That your Kingdom may come on earth as it is in Heaven.

Our Father …

AMEN