God of peace, we come before you in fear and trepidation for the future of the world in which you have placed us. We are horrified by the beginning of a war in the very area to which you sent our Lord, Jesus. Its escalation is very frightening and we regret the lost lives, the wounding and the destruction which is being heaped on our fellow human beings. We fear for the future of our children and grand-children.

The good news that Jesus brought was news of love, of searching for spiritual fulfilment and of submitting to your will for each one of us. Help us to continue on our prayer-driven path to promote peace and understanding in place of war and strife. Give us the qualities we need to progress your hope for the world.

In the name of Jesus, Amen