Prayer for a Peaceful Solution Between Ukraine and Russia

This week the Office of the General Assembly has called upon us all to pray for a peaceful solution between Ukraine and Russa.

As people of Christian faith, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been in partnership with churches in both Ukraine and Russia over the last 30 years and with churches in the former Soviet Union for many years before that. The resulting dialogue and the mutual engagement have enriched congregations and members across our denomination through conversations over sharing tea and walking together in ministry. For many, the discovery of family in a place that enemies were expected has been profound. The witness of faith that withstood the persecutions of the Soviet Union has been powerful…

It’s complicated and painful, as families and friends across the border have been divided, unable to find the language of reconciliation. We grieve over the loss of life in the Donbas and are in complete sympathy with our siblings in Ukraine, but we reject the escalating rhetoric that brings the world close to war. We reject the focus on militaristic solutions and call on President Biden and our Congress to pursue, with humility, diplomatic solutions through sustained dialogue in order to de-escalate the situation.  (adapted from Call to Prayer from the Office of the General Assembly)

 

Let us pray:

God of peace, as tensions continue to rise, as the military on both sides of the conflict prepare, as mothers and fathers pray, we too pray for peace. We pray for the governments of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the United States and the European Union to seek diligently a peaceful solution to the current tensions and beyond. Help us to soften our own hearts and words in our communities to de-escalate the tensions that consume the world, so that we are a model of your peace. Lord, be with us. Teach us to be your peacemakers. Amen.