What can I pray during the two-minute silence?

Our Father in Heaven.

We thank you that you are a God who brings peace, and works for harmony and love between all people.

We praise you that you sent your Son Jesus, the Prince of Peace, into the world to establish your Kingdom. Thank you that his death on the cross won the final victory over the sin which divides us. Thank you that he rose again to bring new life to those who trust him.

We pray that your Kingdom would come on earth as you continue to work in our broken world.

Bring comfort to those in distress; peace to those at war; and judgement upon those who stir up hatred and anger.

We pray that you would move those who rule in our world to work for peace and the protection of freedom and liberty.

We ask for your help for those who are victims of war: the wounded and sick; those who have been made homeless through conflict; and those who are fighting to protect their loved ones. Give them the resources they need for health and healing, and sustain them in their struggle for justice. Draw near to comfort those who have lost loved ones through wars past and present.

Give them today, their daily bread.

Father, your word tells us that the seeds of anger and war are within each of us. Help each of us not to give in to the weapons of the enemy—hatred, selfish greed and revenge. But help us show, even to those who are our enemies, the grace and mercy we have received through Jesus.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation.

Heavenly Father we pray to you with confidence for our war-torn world, because we know that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, and your Holy Spirit is at work to show us that only his Kingdom will last forever. Please help us to rely on your strength as we seek to be your envoys and peacemakers in this world.

For yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen.

(Prayer based on Matthew 6 v 9-13; 1 Timothy 2 v 1-3 and James 4 v 1-5)