PRAYER for the Second Sunday of Easter: Christ, my Lord and Savior, you gave your life to be broken on the cross, and you still give your body, broken in the sacrament, for the healing of all life’s shattering forces. When my life is restored and made whole again, allow me to use it in service to my neighbors in this hurting and fear-filled world. Amen.
For the Safety of the Artemis II Astronauts in their Mission: Lord God of the heavens and the earth, you placed all the objects in the universe and you preserve their travels. We thank you for the successful passage of the Artemis II in its mission around the moon and the safe return of Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen to Earth and to their families. O Lord, thanks and praise be to you. Amen.
For Those who Service in the Armed Forces: O Lord God of hosts, stretch forth your almighty arm to strengthen and protect those who serve in the armed forces of our country. Support them and protect them as they defend our country and protect the lives of oppressed civilians. Keep them from all evil, give them courage and loyalty and grant that in all things they may serve honestly and without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the People of Iran and Israel: Almighty God and Father of all nations, give your guidance to the people of Iran and Israel that they may be protected from great suffering and destruction and be able to restore peace and harmony to their lands. Where there is oppression and bloodshed, let there be freedom and an end to strife. Bring your message of healing, comfort, and salvation through the turmoil, that people may learn of your love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
FOR OUR COUNTRY: that citizens may hold elected leaders to the task of governing fairly and with integrity, according to the will of God for the good of our country, the freedom of our land, and the unifying of our citizenry. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
For the leaders involved on both sides of all conflicts especially between Russia and Ukraine, where warfare continues, between China and the far east, and between Israel and Iran: Lord of the nations and ruler of all the earth, bring common sense and compassion to bear in the hearts and minds of those making decisions with regard to these wars, that peaceful resolutions may be sought and achieved, and especially that nuclear confrontation may be avoided. Bring peace and healing to those lands and comfort to those who grieve. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
For peace in Ukraine: God of comfort and of peace, we pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia. Where there is oppression, establish freedom; where there is repression, promote truth. Especially guide all those involved in peace negotiations at this time, that results may be fair and equitable and further the freedoms and stability of the people of Ukraine, that citizens may celebrate your compassion and deliverance and that your grace in Christ may be proclaimed to all. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
