Pandemic Ponderings

of the General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley

February 28, 2022

 

Dear Friends,

 

Heavy on our hearts is the situation in Ukraine – the violence, terror, and dislocation for its people – and the larger implications for Europe and the world. The world feels at something of a tipping point and as people removed from the immediate situation it is hard to know what to do, how to help. One thing we do know to do, however, is to pray. In that spirit, I share with you a prayer penned by Rebecca Abel Lamar, our colleague at Government St. Presbyterian Church in Mobile. Let us pray….

 

A Prayer for the People of Ukraine

(Based on Psalm 27)

 

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

 

We are afraid, Lord.

Afraid for the people of Ukraine,

afraid of what this invasion means for our world.

We desire security, and we seek your light.

May it shine for the Ukrainians in ways we cannot see.

May your protection blanket them in ways we cannot know.

 

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;

though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.

 

Cure the warring madness of your children, O God.

As armies make war, give us confidence in your goodness.

May our faith be the assurance of things hoped for.

May we hold fast to our convictions of divine peace that is yet unseen.

 

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

 

Save us, Lord, from weak resignation.

And save your children in Ukraine.

Grant them strength and courage–especially those who are injured, grieving the death of loved ones, or homeless.

Give wisdom the leaders of the world and show them a path to peace.

Open our hearts to hold your children in your light as we pray in Christ’s name without ceasing. Amen

 

Amen and Amen.

 

 

As ever in prayer,

 

 Sue