#WePrayForUkraine - How can you join in?
29 March 2022
The Methodist Church is joining with Churches Together in England, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and Christian Aid to invite churches and Christians from across the UK and Ireland to come together on Sunday 3 April in an act of witness to pray and light candles for Ukraine, for an end to the conflict, and for all those affected by the terrible impact of war.
Across the country, churches of all denominations are encouraging congregations to pray for Ukraine and to hold a visible act of witness – including the lighting of candles - in their local community.
National events will also take place in London, Edinburgh, Wales and Northern Ireland. In London, people are expected to come together, light a candle, and pray for the people of Ukraine outside the Ukrainian embassy at 2pm.
How can you get involved?
- Organise an act of witness with your church or local community during your worship or at 2pm on Sunday 3 April. This could involve sharing prayers, lighting candles, holding a moment of silence, or holding up blue and yellow hearts as an act of solidarity during the time of prayer
- Join Christian Aid on Facebook throughout the afternoon on 3 April to see updates from the Embassy of Ukraine and share any photos of your act of witness on social media using #WePrayForUkraine
- Share our posts on Twitter and Facebook to encourage others to get involved as an act of solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
A prayer for Passion Sunday 3 April
God of all peoples and nations,
Who created all things alive and breathing,
United and whole,
Show us the way of peace that is Your overwhelming presence.
We hold before you the peoples of Ukraine and Russia,
Every child and every adult.
We long for the time
When weapons of war are beaten into ploughshares
When nations no longer lift up sword against nation.
We cry out to you for peace;
Protect those who only desire and deserve to live in security and safety
Comfort those who fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones
Be with those who are bereaved.
Change the hearts of those set on violence and aggression
And fill leaders with the wisdom that leads to peace.
Kindle again in us a love of our neighbour,
And a passion for justice to prevail and a renewed recognition that we all play a part in peace.
Creator of all hear our prayer
And bring us peace. make us whole.
Amen.
Methodist resources
Access our toolkit for churches responding to the crisis in Ukraine for resources and guidance specifically for Methodist churches.