Worship leaders encouraged to use prayer for peace this Sunday

Worship leaders across the Church are being encouraged to use a special ecumenical prayer for peace in Ukraine as part of their services this Sunday.

It has been produced by the Scottish Church Leaders Forum in response to the invasion and they stand in solidarity with all those who face the perils of war and the fear that ensues when the bonds of peace are broken.

Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly and one of the signatories, said: "All of us have looked on in horror as Russian forces launched a full-scale assault on Ukraine in the last 24 hours.

"We urge President Putin to cease hostilities and call on all parties to agree a ceasefire and return immediately to the negotiating table.

"I would encourage all worship leaders across the Church of Scotland to consider incorporating this prayer in their services this Sunday as we continue to hold the Ukrainian people in our thoughts and send them our full support."

Living God,
Creator and giver of life to all people:
We ask that you would hear our prayer for peace amongst the nations
And for ending of conflict in Ukraine.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Living God,
Who shall judge between the nations:
We ask that that you would lead the nations in the paths of peace
And that the dividing wall of hostility would be broken down.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Living God,
Who has inspired faith across the ages:
Grant peace in the midst of war
And bring harmony to the commonwealth of nations.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Living God,
Who gave his only Son that we might have life:
We ask that you would pour out your Holy Spirit
And inspire in us hope that peace will be renewed.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Signed by:

• Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly, Church of Scotland
• Most Rev. Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Roman Catholic Church
• Most Rev. Mark Strange, Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops, Scottish Episcopal Church
• Lt. Col. Carol Bailey, Secretary for Scotland, Salvation Army
• Adwoa Bittle, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
• Rev. Dr David Miller, Moderator, United Free Church of Scotland
• Rev. Neil MacMillan, Moderator, Free Church of Scotland
• Rev. Paul Whittle, Moderator, United Reformed Church (Scotland)
• Rev. Martin Hodson, General Director, Baptist Union of Scotland
• Rev. Mark Slaney, District Chair, Methodist Church (Scotland)
• Rev. Thomas R. Wilson, Chair, Congregational Federation in Scotland