If one member suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all parts are glad.

1 Corinthians 12:26 NLT

Ukraine. This just about sums up what I am feeling right now and perhaps you feel the same way too. How can I not mention it? How can I gloss over it? This shadow hangs over the whole world. This darkness threatens to overwhelm, BUT God! And so, we pray:

Almighty and ever-loving God, you who protects the weak and vulnerable, remember your people in Ukraine. Protect the innocents who are caught up in a war that is not of their making. Provide for and strengthen the terrified people who are fleeing for their lives, shield those who have chosen to stand back and fight for their nation, soften the heart of the aggressor as you did with Saul on that road to Damascus, and as we sit here wondering what we can do; as we sit here with a sense of helplessness, remind us once again that we are children of the Living God, called to be bold and do exploits and that we are never alone. Remind us that in love, you sent your Son to this earth, and your Son sent the Holy Spirit to help us in moments like these. Remind us, Blessed Savior, that our greatest weapon is not empty rhetoric, it is not wishful thinking, but unceasing prayer (Ephesians 6: 10-18; 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-17). God of Peace and God of Mercy intervene in this unjustified war. What the enemy means for evil, turn it around for your good and your glory, so that many will be saved (Genesis 50:20).

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.

AMEN!