Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
As we awake this morning to the news of Russia invading Ukraine, I invite you to pray fervently for the people of Ukraine and for all those affected by this outbreak of war. Recently, in her pastoral message about this growing conflict, the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, reminded us of Jesus' words from the Beatitudes that "blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matt 5:9. We as the church are called everywhere and always to be peacemakers. Let us do what we can to urge those in authority to bring this war to an end.
Let me close with a prayer offered this morning by the global leader of my own Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby: "God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen."
In Christ, Pastor Luther