Text appropriate for Universal (monotheistic)

Children Praying For Children – UNWLA

The following prayer is from the UNWLA campaign “Children Praying for Children.” Local communities across the United States are invited to come together in prayer for the tens of thousands of Ukrainian children who have been abducted by Russia.

Target date: On or around June 1st – International Children’s Day.

Find out more about how you can participate here.

Dear God,

Please calm and comfort all of Ukraine’s children affected by russia’s war on Ukraine. Help their parents to protect their families. We pray to you today, to be with the children, understand their pain, protect them so they will not be hurt. Help them find sleep through the dark night hours. May they know you are there. Help them find a safe place where they are not afraid.

Lord, please protect the vulnerable children of Ukraine, protect their families, and restore them to their homes and cities so that they do not feel abandoned and forgotten. Instill the belief that they will be safely returned to their families, home, and country.

Amen!

Prayer for Ukraine (composed by Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski)

Almighty and Great God,
accept our gratitude for your boundless mercy towards us.
Hear the supplication of our afflicted hearts for the land and people of Ukraine,
as they confront foreign aggression and invasion.
Open the eyes of those who have been overtaken
by a spirit of deception and violence,
that they be horrified by their works.
Grant victory over the powers of evil that have arisen
and bless Ukraine with your gifts of liberty, peace, tranquillity, and good fortune.

We implore you, O Merciful God,
look with grace upon those who courageously defend their land.
Remember the mothers and fathers, the innocent children,
widows and orphans, the disabled and helpless,
those seeking shelter and refuge,
who reach out to you and to their fellow human beings
looking for mercy and compassion.
Bless the hearts of those who have already shown great generosity and solidarity,
and those who prepare to receive their Ukrainian brothers and sisters
in Ukraine’s greatest time of need.
Bring us together as your children, your creation,
and instil in us your strength, wisdom and understanding.

May you be praised and glorified,
now and forever, and to the ages of ages.

Amen.

This prayer has been widely used in congregations across many different denominations. You can view it published by the following leading institutions (in order of date of publication):