A Prayer for Ukraine
Perhaps like me, you have felt overwhelmed, helpless, and heartbroken as you have watched the news of Vladimir Putin and Russia’s illegal and certainly immoral invasion of Ukraine. Many innocent lives will be cut short because of one man’s lust for power and to make his mark on history. In the long run he will most certainly fail. But in the meantime, what can we do? I believe the most effective and consequential thing we can do is pray. I have written the following prayer that you are most welcome to use as part of a daily devotion or in what-ever- manor you choose.
Almighty God we come before you with the horror of violence and the brutality of war all over the news. We see the pictures of destruction and devastation, of rubble and ruin, of heartache and grief, and of shock and disbelief. We see people who are just like us, and we can easily share their feelings of helplessness, anger, and rage over this evil act of aggression. Help us all to remember our strength and our hope come from You. In this spirit we pray that:
Your wisdom will open the eyes, hearts, and minds of all our world’s leaders to find a peaceful resolution where none, at this time, appears to exist.
Your power will raise every leader above economic convenience and fortify their moral courage to do what is right, just and leads to peace.
Your comfort will bring healing to every grieving heart – Ukrainian and Russian.
Your grace will liberate every person in the clutches of fear and doubt.
Your courage will sustain every person in harm’s way.
Your presence will be a source of strength for every person feeling helpless.
Your mercy will free every person entrapped by despair and cynicism.
Your love will mend every broken heart.
You will redeem every bit of the suffering and destruction caused by this evil aggression and create something new and better than we can imagine.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen
Grace and Peace, John