A collection of so-called 'hedgehogs', large metal constructions used to block roads specifically so that tanks cannot pass, sit on the side of the road at the Maidan Nezalezhnosti --Independence Square -- the central square of Kyiv. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
As we mark the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we lift our hearts in prayer, mindful of the profound suffering and resilience that have marked this time.
For more than a thousand days, the Ukrainian people have endured. More than 100,000 lives have been lost, countless more wounded, and millions displaced from their homes—both within Ukraine and beyond its borders. Once-vibrant cities stand in ruins, bearing witness to the devastating toll of this conflict.
Each day has brought new grief, yet also steadfast hope. The people of Ukraine have stood firm, sustained by their courage and the solidarity of the global community who refuse to look away from their suffering.
Today, we join our voices in collective prayer—mourning the lives lost, calling for peace, and giving thanks for enduring resilience. We pray for those who grieve, for those who shelter the displaced, and for those who work tirelessly for justice and reconciliation. We pray that God strengthens the weary and comforts the brokenhearted.
Remembering that peace cannot be unilaterally imposed, we call upon God to open paths to genuine dialogue that can lead to justice and peace for the people of Ukraine.
The prayer below was written by Prof. Dr. Dmytro Tsolin. He is a pastor in the German Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Ukraine, which is member of the LWF. It was originally shared by the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe.
Prayer on the occasion of the third anniversary of the war against Ukraine
Our Father in Heaven!
Our eyes are turned towards You, and we lift up our hearts before You.
O God, for over one thousand days we have been praying daily to You, imploring You, putting our hope in You.
For over three horrible years we have received horrible news of the death of our compatriots, we have heard the noise of explosions and the wailing of the sirens.
Lord, every day the number of orphans and widows increases. Every day there are more people who experience the pain of loss of loved ones.
Our God, we see no end to this calamity, only You hold us.
For over one thousand days, Lord, we have stood and believed.
We thank You, for Your Spirit nourishes us.
We believe in Your righteousness, we place hope in Your mercy, we experience Your love in the midst of ruin and death.
But God, our strength is at its end.
We tell You of our pains, Father, though You know them all before we even tell You.
The sons and daughters of our nation leave us, they are dying in the fields of battle and under fire in our cities and towns.
We remain, Lord, remain with us.
We thank You for all those that support us, we thank You for our brothers and sisters in Christ and for the goodwill from those of other lands. Bless them!
Breath into us faith for the victory of love and truth.
Come, Lord Jesus!
Amen
Download the prayer in English, French, German, and Spanish
