Prayers at a time of war

For peace

Jesus, giver of peace, we look for your gift amidst the conflicts of our time> You are the Savior who searches for us, the Friend who longs for us, the Redeemer whos trives for us, and we set our troubled hearts before you. Turn us from despondency, and keep us searching for the way that leads to peace; turn from us disillusion, and keep us longing for the healing that makes for peace; Turn from us despair, and keep us striving for the change that will build peace; until our hopes find their fulfilment in your gift made real.

For communities suffering war

God of compassion, look in mercy on all who suffer the terrors of war - the anguished, the frightened, and the pained, all who are wounded, all who mourn, and all who have lost home or livelihood. May they know respite, relief, and hope.

For combatants

Jesus Christ, who in the hour of your death was recognized as Savior by a soldier standing nearby: be to those who bear arms now, a sign of saving hope. In circumstances of danger and ever-pressing fear keep alive in them steadfastness and courage. Preserve in them when tested, righteous and humane values; and uphold their good wills until they are released from the awful necessities of human strife.

For relief agencies

Liberating God, who rends the chains of sin and breaks the power of its consequences, be the ever-present encourager of those who serve your cause in bringing relief to the war weary and the hurting. Protect them when danger threatens, steel their resolve when the pressures are too great, and resource them in their labors, that all whom they serve may find in their efforts the beginnings of life renewed.

(Source: unknown, but Anglican)