Southern Nebraska Register
Bishop James Conley was invited to lead a prayer during a Feb. 25 rally for Ukraine outside the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. The rally marked one year since the Russian army invaded Ukrainian territory.
He spoke about the work being done by Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, helping more than 100 families in the area displaced by the fighting in Ukraine. He also spoke of the efforts of the Knights of Columbus to help the people in that war-torn region.
This is the prayer he offered:
Dear Father in heaven, we come before you on this first anniversary of the tragic invasion of Russia on the sovereign nation of Ukraine. First of all, we commend to you all who have lost their lives in this terrible war of aggression. Those who lost their lives defending their country, defending their families and defending their property. We pray for those survivors who mourn the loss of their loved ones, and the many, many innocent civilians who have been victims of this horrible evil.
We also pray for the enemies in this war; the Russian soldiers who were conscripted into service, the political leaders who are perpetrating this senseless war, and for the conversion of heart of President Vladimir Putin.
Ultimately, we pray for an end to this terrible bloodshed. We pray for a restoration of peace and justice in this beautiful land, the breadbasket of Eastern Europe.
We pray for the suffering nation of Ukraine, for comfort and encouragement for those who lost their homes, loved ones, businesses, schools, factories, farms and their peaceful way of life.
We pray for divine intervention, dear Father in heaven, that you will put a stop to this evil tragedy. We know you can do this. You have the power to change hearts. We beg you to change hearts. We ask for repentance and forgiveness, for mercy, peace and reconciliation. Please stop this aggression, through your mercy and power.
We ask this in Jesus' name!
We also pray for the enemies in this war; the Russian soldiers who were conscripted into service, the political leaders who are perpetrating this senseless war, and for the conversion of heart of President Vladimir Putin.
Ultimately, we pray for an end to this terrible bloodshed. We pray for a restoration of peace and justice in this beautiful land, the breadbasket of Eastern Europe.
We pray for the suffering nation of Ukraine, for comfort and encouragement for those who lost their homes, loved ones, businesses, schools, factories, farms and their peaceful way of life.
We pray for divine intervention, dear Father in heaven, that you will put a stop to this evil tragedy. We know you can do this. You have the power to change hearts. We beg you to change hearts. We ask for repentance and forgiveness, for mercy, peace and reconciliation. Please stop this aggression, through your mercy and power.
We ask this in Jesus' name!
Editor's Note: click for photos or video. See the bishop's column here.
