My heart is heavy today as I follow the news of Russia’s renewed invasion of Ukraine. This egregious act by Russian President Putin reminds us of how too many people in our world live with war and the threat of violence. We lament to God and cry out – why, Lord, why? How long until hearts of violence are turned to hearts to love? How long until weapons of war, weapons of death and destruction, will be beaten and turned into plowshares and instruments of peace and sustenance? How long until our Prince of Peace comes to set all things to right?
As United Methodists, we remember our siblings in Christ who are in Ukraine. We remember the churches in Lviv, in Kharkiv, in Lugansk, in Kiev, and all over Ukraine.
We also remember those Russians who don’t want their relatives and fellow citizens to die in a senseless and needless war.
We pray for Ukrainian President Zelenksy as he leads his people in this difficult and dangerous time.
Let us pray this prayer for peace from the Methodist Church in the United Kingdom:
Prayer for peace in Ukraine
Holy and Gracious God
We pray for the people of the Ukraine and the people of Russia; for their countries and their leaders.
We pray for all those who are afraid; that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear.
We pray for all those who have the power over life and death; that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness.
We pray for those who choose war; that they will remember that you direct your people to turn our swords into ploughshares and seek for peace.
We pray for leaders on the world stage; that they are inspired by the wisdom and courage of Christ.
Above all, Lord, today we pray for peace for Ukraine.
And we ask this in the name of your blessed Son.
Lord have mercy.
Amen
Scottsville United Methodist Church 