Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:9
You could fill volumes with all that I don’t know or understand about geopolitics. I am uninformed about the intricacies of international diplomacy and my feelings toward Russia are shaded by having grown up during the Cold War. Regardless, none of us need to know much to be horrified by the news from Ukraine. Our hearts hurt for lives lost and for people whose homes are being ravaged by invasion. The world feels a great deal less safe than it did only days ago. The above words of Jesus remind us to be makers of peace, even in the presence of war. How do we do that when we are removed by thousands of miles? The short answer is to pray. The below prayer was published by the Church of England and used in a prayer vigil on February 26th. Whether you use these exact words, I encourage you to add to your daily prayers the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and the leaders of both countries. While it may be difficult to pray for the oppressor, Jesus calls us to pray for our enemies and to counter hate with love. Let us therefore pray for those pursuing war, that they might repent and seek peace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion
to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Thomas