Acknowledging the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine
Let the Lord give strength to his people! Let the Lord bless his people with peace! – Psalm 29:11 (CEB)
February 16, 2023
Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, marks one year since Russian forces invaded Ukraine, continuing a war started in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and other Ukrainian territories.
In the past year, more than 8 million people have fled Ukraine and millions more have been uprooted inside the country. Those who remain suffer shortages of food, water, energy and livelihoods as Russian attacks continue to target civilian centers and Ukraine’s power grid. Thousands of lives have been lost in this protracted conflict.
United Methodists have joined with other people of faith and people of good will across the world to provide relief for the people of Ukraine and support for those who care for refugees. Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) have used the gifts offered through United Methodist channels to provide emergency food and water, health supplies and medicines, shelter, mine and unexploded ordinance removal, and counseling for the displaced. Sadly, great suffering persists as this conflict continues to uproot the lives of Ukrainians.
Together, we unite in prayer to seek God’s strength and guidance and acknowledge God’s love and power to give relief to the oppressed and turn the hearts and minds of oppressors.
Please join Roland Fernandes, Global Ministries’ general secretary, on Friday, Feb. 24 at 9 AM PST (7 AM HST), via Facebook Live in this prayer for comfort and peace:
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace, it has been a year since the country of Ukraine was invaded,
bringing loss of life and loss of security, homes and livelihoods; bringing struggle, scarcity and hunger.
We pray for the families that mourn loved ones lost in this conflict.
We pray for you to provide comfort to the displaced and safety for those still in harm’s way.
God of peace, hear our prayer.
We offer prayers of gratitude for all those who have responded to this crisis with love and care;
for those who have welcomed and sheltered refugees;
and for those who have given generously to ease suffering in and beyond Ukraine.
God of peace, hear our prayer.
We pray for you to strengthen and renew in us a spirit of generosity and love,
that we may continue to practice solidarity, hospitality and care.
God of peace, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who seek a just and peaceful resolution to this and every conflict,
we pray that you will keep our Ukrainian sisters and brothers safe from further harm and
we pray that you will bring peace and comfort to the people of Ukraine.
God of peace, hear our prayer.
We offer these fervent prayers, remembering the words of the apostle James,
“those who make peace sow the seeds of justice by their peaceful acts.”
May we all sow such seeds.
Amen.
Source: General Board of Global Ministries, presented Feb. 24, 2023.
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