On February 24, 2022 Russia embarked on a full scale invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine. Millions watched in horror on their TVs, phones, tablets as hundreds of thousands of Russian troops with tanks advanced on Kyiv, Luhansk, the Donbas and an area near Crimea. Missiles reached far into the west.
Russia’s fractured relationship with Ukraine is deeply embedded in the history of both countries. Russia’s designs on full annexation of Ukraine have been known since Ukraine declared its’ independence in 1991 as the Soviet Union dissolved. Russian separatists in the eastern regions of Ukraine were reinforced by Russia especially after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 while the Western world did little.
As complex and complicated as is the background of this war, the facts remain that the human toll, destruction and destabilization are without precedence in Europe since World War II. The world watches in horror and we beg God’s mercy on this profoundly awful war which Pope Francis has referred to as “a defeat for humanity.” LET US PRAY…..
- For the thousands of Ukrainian citizens who have been killed since the start of the war
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For the thousands of children who have been orphaned or lost a parent
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For the thousands of Russian soldiers who have been killed or injured in the war
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For the cruelty inflicted on people whose homes have been destroyed
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For the tens of thousands who have incurred heartbreaking injuries
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For the thousands of refugees who have left their homes
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For the incomprehensible destruction of apartments, buildings and infrastructure
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For doctors, nurses and all medical personnel trying desperately to save lives and limbs
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For the ravages to livestock, animals, agriculture and the environment
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For the destruction of cultural sites and the theft of artistic treasures
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For the threat of nuclear war
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For the soldiers and their families both Ukrainian and Russian
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For President Zelensky and Ukrainian leaders
- LORD HAVE MERCY
- For leaders throughout the world as they decide how best to help Ukraine
- LORD HAVE MERCY
Merciful God, hear these prayers. Bring relief to all those suffering in this war and guide all efforts to secure a lasting and just peace. We ask this in the name of your beloved Son Jesus whose way is always that of peace. Amen.
