When war ravages a country, the civilians are the ones who suffer the most, even though they are not the ones fighting. War leaves countless victims in its path, and they are in constant need of our prayers and support.
Here is a prayer adapted from the early 20th-century prayer book War Prayers for a Week.
O God who brings the light out of darkness,
grant that those on whom this war has laid the burden of sorrow,
may thereby be drawn closer to you
and may set their affections firmly on things above,
so that in the time to come they may serve you
with a perfect heart.
Stretch forth the right hand of heavenly assistance,
and grant the victims of war safety and protection,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
And today we celebrate...