Prayers for Myanmar

A Prayer for the Churches and People of Myanmar

We worship you, Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier God.
Dwell with us and make this worship a blessed one.
Be with your churches and your people in Myanmar.
Heal tired bodies, melt hearts, clear minds,
and direct thoughts and deeds towards
cultivating a culture of peace and justice.
We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Adapted from the Christian Conference of Asia

A Prayer Affirming That Joy Comes in the Morning

Gracious God, Creator and Re-creator of all peoples,
Sustainer of life and Giver of hope to the afflicted,
Power of the powerless peoples,
We remember your constant care for all humanity,
which you created in your own image.
We recall your intervention in the history of humankind whenever the sacredness of your image is threatened or violated.
We are reminded of your dealing with the oppressed and suffering people,
bring them their deliverance and hope.
At this time of uncertainty in Myanmar,
we come before you seeking your mighty intervention
on behalf of the people whose lives are at risk.
Compassionate God, we know that all life is precious in your sight.
Thus, we pray that you confront the injustices in the country.
We ask that you empower the people of Myanmar in their suffering.
We pray that justice, peace, love and harmony will soon come about.
Strengthen the hands of those who constantly work for the affirmation of human rights and the restoration of human dignity.
Help all of us believe and experience that
‘weeping tarries for the night but joy comes in the morning.’
Amen.

— Adapted from a prayer by the Christian Conference of Asia for Iraq

A Prayer for Those Who Protest

Loving God, we thank you for those who lead and participate in peaceful protests in Myanmar. We are grateful for their spirit, courage, and witness. We ask protection for them and blessing for their cause. Let justice roll and peace prevail. Amen

— Presbyterian Peacemaking Program

A Prayer for Myanmar

God of grace, we pray for the people of Myanmar. Guide the leaders into the ways of peace. Lead the people in paths of justice. We ask that you would inspire and invigorate those who are called to be peace builders; unite the leaders and members of all the ethnic groups; open the hearts and minds of the country’s leaders and people that they might work to make unity and reconciliation a reality. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Adapted from materials provided by Christians concerned for Burma

A Prayer of Commitment

In unison with the experience of the victims of violence,
with the way of Jesus Christ
and with the witness of our Fathers and Mothers in faith,
we are joined together,
reconciled with one another
and encouraged by one another through the cross of Christ.
Together with the ecumenical community of churches
we commit ourselves to work for a culture of peace
and to overcome the violence we encounter in our lives.
Together we are carried forward by the vision of the one church,
of the people of God on the way,
challenging all separations of race, gender, age or culture
and striving for justice, peace and integrity of creation.
Enough children have suffered violence.
We are longing for the day, when the prophecy of Isaiah will come true,
when "they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more."
Amen.

— Adapted by the Christian Conference of Asia from the Worship Service on the Launching of the Decade to Overcome Violence

A Buddhist Prayer for Peace

May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses. May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free. May the powerless find power and may people think of befriending one another. May those who find themselves in trackless, fearful wildernesses — the children, the aged, the unprotected — be guarded by beneficent celestials, and may they swiftly attain Buddhahood.

— Provided by Harvard Divinity School