Greetings, dear readers. It’s been a bit quiet here on the blog this month, owing mainly to health issues (nothing serious; just getting repeatedly under the weather or having to take care of sick kids), as well as the general busyness of life at the moment. Lord willing, I hope to get quite a bit more content up next month, including some more video material.
I did want to take a brief moment, however, and encourage you, if you haven’t already, to pray today for an end to the conflict unfolding in the nation of Ukraine, as well as for the people there.
With all of God’s people throughout the ages, we continue to yearn and hope for the day when Christ will finally usher in lasting peace, when “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).
Until that day, we must recall that war is, unfortunately, a normal part of life in our fallen world. Nevertheless, God is still on his throne, and we continue to pray for his kingdom to come and to pursue peace as much as we are able. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe” (Psalm 18:10).
Would you pray that the people of Ukraine would find hope in the name of the Lord today?
Based on what I have seen and heard from people and ministers in Ukraine, please pray specifically for:
- Individuals, families, and ministry groups who are remaining behind, whether by choice or necessity.
- Refugees and those fleeing eastern Ukraine.
- Relief efforts — particularly that banking services would stay operational for those donating to ministries there.
- Political leaders — that they would be given wisdom and act to pursue justice and peace.
- That the gospel would continue to spread in spite of the chaos, and that God would be gracious to all involved in this situation.
A Prayer in Time of War and Tumults, from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer of the Reformed Episcopal Church:
“O LORD God of infinite mercy, we humbly beg You to look down with pity upon the nations now engaged in war. Reckon not against Your people their many iniquities, for from the lusts of our own hearts come wars and fightings among us. Look in compassion on those immediately exposed to peril, conflict, sickness, and death; comfort the prisoners, relieve the sufferings of the wounded, and show mercy to the dying. Tenderly regard those who live at home in fear, deprivation, and sorrow. Remove in Your good providence all causes and occasions of war; and of Your great goodness restore peace among the nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
A Prayer for Refugees and Victims of War, by an Anonymous Jesuit:
“Lord God,
No one is a stranger to you
And no one is ever far from your loving care.
In your kindness, watch over refugees and victims of war,
Those separated from their loved ones,
Young people who are lost,
And those who have left home or who have run away from home.
Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be,
And help us always to show your kindness to strangers and to all in need.”
Categories: Uncategorized
Theology Pathfinder 
Leave a Reply