A Prayer for Ukraine–please use in worship or devotion
Here is a litany recently shared at the Hermon Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Md. It is adapted from a 9th century monastic prayer to the Virgin Mary–protectress of Kiev. But sense many Protestants are not used to such prayers, it has been adapted for use more broadly in Reformed and other Protestant churches. And yes, you will notice the Reformed Church in Hungary (and its sister church in Ukraine) have bishops! -L. Golemon
A Prayer of Lament and Intercession for Ukraine
(Adapted from an Eastern Christian Prayer by Monk Theostiriktos, 9th c.).
Lord, listen to our prayer:
turn your ear to our appeal.
You are faithful, you are just; give answer. For no one is just in your sight.
Rescue us, Lord, from our enemies; we have fled to you for refuge.
Teach us to do your will
for you, O Lord, are our God.
Response: O most holy God, save us.
For your name’s sake, Lord, save our lives; in your justice save our souls from distress. In your love make an end of our foes; destroy all those who oppress us.
Response: O most holy God, save us.
When Israel passed through the waters as upon dry land, and escaped the malice of the Egyptians, they cried out: Let us sing to our Redeemer and our God!
Response: O most holy God, save us.
Save your servants from every danger, oh God, we all turn to you for refuge as an unbreachable wall and protection, for You are a merciful God who loves humankind, and we give glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever.
Response: O most holy God, save us.
Again we pray to the Lord our God, that He may hear the prayer of us sinners, and have mercy on His servants: Patriarch Onufriy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Epiphaniy of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Archbishop Shevchuk of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Bishop Aleksandr of the sub-Carpathian Reformed Church, Pastor Serhii Moroz of the Ukrainian Baptist Church and other church leaders. Protect them from every trial and distress, trouble and sorrow, danger and enemy, and from every spiritual and physical pain, bestowing on them health and a long life; we all pray: quickly hear us and have mercy.
Response: Lord, have mercy.
Again, let us pray that He preserve the cities of Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv and the churches there, especially our Presbyterian partner the sub-Carpathian Reformed Church, and every city, town, and community in Ukraine from famine, plague, fire, and foreign invasion; and that our God who is kindly and the Lover of Humankind may forgive our sins and hold back His just wrath, and that He may have mercy on us.
Response: Lord, have mercy:
Save Your people, O God, and bless Your inheritance. Visit Your world with Your mercy and generosities. Exalt the Christians and all people in Ukraine and send down upon them Your abundant mercy. Through the power of the precious and life-creating Cross; through the protection of the honorable, heavenly, incorporeal powers, We pray You, O most merciful Lord, hear us all around the world praying to You.
Response: All thanks be to you O God.