PRAY
A Prayer for Ukraine from Rev. Beth Richardson, Dean Emeritus of The Upper Room Chapel
God makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. …
God breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
God burns the shields with fire.
God says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:9-10 (NRSV)
God of peace,
Russia has invaded the Ukraine and there is war.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
God of wisdom,
Rain down your Spirit onto the leaders of the world
That they might find a way where there is no way.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
God of comfort,
Wrap the grieving ones in your cloak of consolation.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
God of courage,
Be present with all those who are in harm’s way.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Amen.
We join the Church ecumenical in Ukraine and beyond who have turned to the words of the Psalmist. At a time when we are powerfully reminded that we are dust, we turn again to our Savoir, our Sustainer to ask for refuge, rescue, and peace:
Psalm 31
In you, LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me;
incline your ear to me;
make haste to rescue me!
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to save me.
For you are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.
Free me from the net they have set for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, LORD, God of truth.
LEARN
- Read United Methodists respond to invasion of Ukraine
- Roland Fernandes, General Secretary of GBGM, wrote this letter which gives some historic background of Methodist work in the region.
GIVE
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is encouraging gifts to Advance #982450. Gifts to this fund will be used to support those remaining in Ukraine AND those who have fled the violence and are now in neighboring countries. If giving by check, please include “Advance #982450-Ukraine” on the memo line of your check or giving envelope. You can also use the button below to give. Please direct online giving to the General Fund account, and we’ll forward it from there.
