A Prayer for Peace

 

Scripture

 Isaiah 2:2-4

² In days to come
    the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
    and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
³     Many peoples shall come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
    and that we may walk in his paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
    and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
⁴ He shall judge between the nations,
    and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
    and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
    neither shall they learn war any more.

Reflection

 Today, my heart breaks for those caught in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.  Because the United States is literally an ocean away, it is easy to forget about those for whom this war is a lived reality...or a nearby threat. But the people of Ukraine and Russia are all beloved children of God.  They are our siblings in Christ.  And what hurts one of us hurts all of us.  This is why everyone from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to the World Council of Churches has been fervently praying for peace for over a month.

Yesterday, leaders from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) joined with leaders of various faith traditions for an hour-long vigil for peace in Ukraine hosted by the Episcopal Office of Government Relations and the Friends Committee on National Legislation. There, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh leaders prayed as one diverse yet unified body on behalf of God's children.  They prayed:

• that God's “wisdom might penetrate human hearts in order that there is a greater value placed upon human life than national pride...Wherever people are divided by nationality, ethnicity, race, class, or anything that dares to separate us,  bring forth your spirit of peace, that we may study war no more,”(Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, Associate Director of Advocacy for the Presbyterian Mission Agency).  

• that God will, "spread over us Your tabernacle of peace, and guide us with Your good counsel.... Guard (our going out and our coming in, and grant us life) and peace, now and always." (Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center and Senior Vice President of the Union for Reform Judaism reciting the "Hashikeveinu")

• that God will “fill our hearts with mercy and compassion for one another and allow us to coexist peacefully and harmoniously on Earth." (Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers reciting a traditional prayer from the Islamic faith).

 Today, my hearts grieves that despite all yesterday's fervent prayers, war has still arrived.  Still, hope is not lost.  As our government levies sanctions and promises to stand with our NATO allies, let us pray for God's wisdom, justice, and peace to rule not only in our hearts, but in our governments...and in the governments of those far across the sea.  Let us pray for the safety and security of not only our siblings in Ukraine who are being attacked, but also for the Russian soldiers marching across the border at the orders of their leaders.  Let us pray for compassion to rule the day and for a true and just peace to arrive in that war-torn land.

 My mind struggles to find the right words for what my heart yearns to say to God.   Thankfully, the Church of Scotland has issued a prayer that comes pretty close to covering it.  That prayer can be found below, after the "Church Hymn of Ukraine."  May God bless us all in the coming days.  And may God bring an end to all war--especially in the Ukraine.

Prayer for Peace in Ukraine

O God, the refuge and strength of all,
You hold the people of Ukraine in the palm of your hand.
The name of each person there,
Is written on your heart.

In the darkness of invasion
And in the mire of political machinations,
Spread we pray, the light of hope and of justice
And of peace.
Encourage those who are frightened,
To find strength in you
And in those around them -
Near and far.

Help the worldwide family of nations
To respond in love
With outstretched hearts,
Open minds,
And with too, the wisdom needed
to effect a peace that lasts.

Save us we pray,
From not caring enough.
For your Son's sake.

-The Church of Scotland