Prayer for Ukraine
February 28, 2022
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Dear King Avenue Family, As mentioned in worship this morning, here is a letter from our Bishop regarding the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. It includes a prayer and also an invitation for an online prayer service for this situation on Ash Wednesday. Please know that I am praying for all of you as we face this together. Peace, |
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Dear Ones in Christ Jesus: Our deepest fears have come to reality with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The actions of Russia are completely unwarranted, and they endanger not only the people of Ukraine and Russia but Europe and the world. This crisis brings with it the potential of harm in this region not seen since World War II. I say this not because such widespread harm is inevitable but because it is possible. When all is said and done there really are no small wars and insignificant amounts of harm in war. At least not to those who lose their lives, livelihood, land, and freedom. For them it is a tragedy. Further in our flat world war and its effects touch us all eventually. We cannot and should not be untouched by the cruelty of war. I want to invite you to continue your fervent prayers for peace in Ukraine. You already know that prayer is not a substitute for anything. It has a life, power, and veracity of its own. It does not substitute for participation in advocating for thoughtful and sound public policy in domestic or foreign affairs. But as people yoked to Jesus Christ, we cannot ever neglect the ministry of prayer in all things and at all times. I offer the following prayer for your use this coming Sunday and on Ash Wednesday or whenever you see fit to use it: Gracious, merciful, and loving God. We ought to look to you in every condition of life. But we most certainly seek your heart, your direction, and your will in this hour of crisis. Once again, we your children find ourselves shaken by our fears, insecurities, and anxieties as we watch war unfolding in Ukraine. Receive our prayers for the people of Ukraine and Russia. We pray for the leaders of state in those countries, Europe, and the world that they will give themselves whole heartedly to negotiation and diplomacy as the best path to peace. We confess that all too often we give in to the impulses of aggression, violence, greed, and hatred rather than pursuing the work of peace making, peace building and peace keeping. Quicken all of our hearts to the truth of the Gospel that we are loved by you with an everlasting love and that there is enough for all people to flourish. Abiding in that love may we find the peace that “surpasses knowledge.” We pray in the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace. Amen. We are coming quickly to Ash Wednesday. As a sign of global solidarity with the people and churches of Ukraine, the World Methodist Council, Conference of European Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, issue an invitation to an online prayer service for Ukraine on Ash Wednesday – March 2 at 11:00 AM EST. This time of prayer will include listening to voices from Ukraine. To join the prayer service register by clicking here. I urge you to join this opportunity as you are able. In all things “Seek peace and pursue it.” I remain in relentless pursuit of peace. Gregory V. Palmer |