'We are here and we care:' Young ecumenical leaders share prayers for peace

Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC

Source: WCC

Young people across the global ecumenical movement are sharing prayers of solidarity in response to escalating violence and suffering in the Middle East and other regions affected by conflict.

Prepared by the Communications Working Group and Theology & Spiritual Life Working group of the Young People in the Ecumenical Movement, the collective prayers are offered "in humility and love," holding in prayer not only the Middle East but also communities around the world experiencing war, violence, and uncertainty.

"As we are in the Lenten season, we are lamenting the situation unfolding in the Middle East. In solidarity and prayer with our brothers and sisters there, especially in Iran, we cry out with agony and shout "Hosanna," praying that God will save us and protect those who are suffering because of the war," said Young People in the Ecumenical Movement moderator Karen Erina Puimera, from the Protestant Church in Western Indonesia.

Puimera further added that "the complexity of the war does not lead us to tolerate hatred or injustice toward one another. As young people, we also cry with the people in Iran and other countries in the Middle East who are affected by this conflict."

Puimera said young people believe that the God of love and justice guides us through the Holy Spirit, helping us discern actions that do not represent God's love in this world. "Through the unity of prayer and solidarity, God reminds us not to stand on the side of unrighteousness and injustice. Instead, we are called to strive for justice, freedom from exploitation, and peace as gifts from God that we are all responsible to protect and nurture," she said.

The prayers were shared through the Ecumenical Youth Network, where young people from different regions are exchanging prayers, reflections, and messages of hope. The initiative reflects a growing wave of spiritual solidarity among young Christians calling their communities to join them in prayer for peace, justice, and reconciliation.

The youth wanted to say, "We are here and we care," describing the effort as a way for young people to express compassion and stand with those experiencing suffering and fear.

Abigayle Bolado, Youth Engagement programme executive, expressed that the Young People in the Ecumenical Movement, through their Ecumenical Youth Network, have joined together in global collective prayer for the ongoing war and conflicts in the Middle East and around the world.

"Today, many people are living in fear, destruction, and chaos. Innocent lives, especially those of children and young people are the most vulnerable. Ongoing war and conflicts rob the present and future not only of those living in affected countries but also of many others whose lives are indirectly impacted as their economies suffer and instability spreads," she said.

Bolado added that "it is heartbreaking to imagine how vast resources are being used. Billions of dollars are spent on missiles, nuclear weapons, and machines designed to kill. Yet these same resources could instead be used to feed the hungry, care for the suffering, improve education and health, and restore hope to communities in need."

Even across continents and time zones, participants say they remain united in faith and concern for those affected by conflict. Through shared prayers and messages of encouragement, they seek to remind communities facing violence that they are not alone.

"Our Lord and God Jesus Christ commanded us: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matt. 7:7). Churches do not have divisions or significant economic resources, and our ability to influence politics is extremely limited. But as Christians, we always have the opportunity to turn to God with fervent prayer, and I believe that He will hear it," reflected Danil Arakelian, who is part of the Theology & Spiritual Life Youth Working Group.

Arakelian added that "today, it is the duty of every believer to pray for peace, for the salvation of people, and for all those who today take up arms against one another, wherever that may be. We are called to be the 'light of the world' (Matt. 5:14), an island of stability and solidarity, an example of friendship, impartiality, and love for all nations. This is precisely what this initiative aims to highlight."

Ecumenical youth are also inviting young people within their churches and communities to offer their own prayers for peace and unity, strengthening a worldwide network of prayer and accompaniment.

Through these shared prayers, young people in the ecumenical movement are giving voice to their hope for justice, healing, and reconciliation, believing that the future of our world should be built not on weapons and destruction, but on dignity, solidarity, and care for all humanity.

Read the shared prayers from the different regions