[CT-NFB] FW: Lectio 365 2/ 25

Fri Feb 25 16:51:45 UTC 2022

Sandra

Living consciously involves being genuine. It involves listening and responding to others honestly and openly.  It involves being in the moment.

(Sidney Poitier)

From: Jennifer Finlayson <eatlocal860 at gmail.com> 
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2022 8:23 AM
To: Sandra Streeter <sandrastreeter381 at gmail.com>
Subject: Lectio 365 2/ 25

A Prayer for the Crisis in Ukraine

Morning

Carla Harding

Today is Friday the 25th of February, and we are interrupting our series on Mark’s Gospel to unite and pray for the crisis in Ukraine.

Pause

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly; to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.

Prayer of Approach

God of rescue and restoration, You are my ‘ever-present help in times of trouble’ (Ps. 46:1). The worries of this world seem overwhelming, so today I trust in You and ask, ‘Lord, teach me to pray.’ (Lk. 11:1)

Rejoice and Reflect

I choose to rejoice in God’s protection today, joining with the ancient praise of all God’s people in the words of Psalm 91...

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

    he is my God, and I trust him.

For he will rescue you from every trap

    and protect you from deadly disease.

He will cover you with his feathers.

    He will shelter you with his wings.

    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Psalm 91:1-4 (NLT)

Today, I join with Christians all over the world and pray for the unfolding crisis in Ukraine. I pause my usual rhythms of reflection and instead make the words of a prayer, written by Pete Greig, my own…

Ask

A Prayer for the Crisis in Ukraine, by Pete Greig *

Father God, King of all nations, I cry out to You now for the people of Ukraine and especially those who are grieving, dying or displaced. Lord of Lords, rescue those who are vulnerable from the hands of their enemies that they may live without fear before You all their days (Lk. 1:74-75). 

Kyrie eleison - Lord have mercy. 

Prince of peace, our politicians are predicting that this could be the biggest war in Europe since 1945, and I simply cry out to You urgently to write another story in our time... Give wisdom beyond human wisdom to peacemakers seeking an equitable and less violent way. May politicians exercise the wisdom from above, which is peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, and full of mercy (Jam. 3:17).

Kyrie eleison - Lord have mercy. 

Holy Spirit, I pray for the church in Ukraine, a nation in which 70% of the population call themselves Christian. Give my many brothers and sisters in that nation courage in this crisis that they may proclaim the good news of Your kingdom by Your power, bind up broken hearts with Your compassion, and bring comfort to all who mourn. (Is. 61:1-2). 

Kyrie eleison - Lord have mercy.

Father of mercy and peace (2 Jn 1:3), as the Psalmist declared, You make wars cease to the end of the earth; You break bows, shatter spears, and burn shields with fire (Ps 46:9). So I ask You now to break bombs, shatter missiles and destroy assault rifles. Save the lives of many people. Make a peace that is strong and not weak. 

Kyrie eleison - Lord have mercy. 

I hear of wars and rumours of wars (Matt. 24:6), but You Lord are our rock, our fortress and our deliverer. My hope is in You. So I speak to the nations at this time of such turmoil and say, ‘Be still and know God! He is exalted among the nations; he shall be exalted in the earth’ (Ps 46:10). 

Kyrie eleison - Lord have mercy. 

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

Amen

Yield

Yielding Promise

And now, as I prepare to take this time of prayer into the coming day, the Lord who loves me reminds me in Psalm 91: 

…I will rescue those who love me.

    I will protect those who trust in my name.

When they call on me, I will answer;

    I will be with them in trouble.

    I will rescue and honor them.

I will reward them with a long life

    and give them my salvation.

Psalm 91:14-16 (NLT)

Closing Prayer

Father, help me to live this day to the full,

 being true to You, in every way.

Jesus, help me to give myself away to others,

 being kind to everyone I meet.

Spirit, help me to love the lost,

 proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.

Amen.

*This prayer has been adapted into the first person.

Download the full version of today’s prayer for Ukraine here:

https://www.24-7prayer.com/a-prayer-for-the-crisis-in-ukraine/

and explore further resources to help you and your church pray here:

https://www.24-7prayer.com/how-to-pray/help-me/pray-for-the-world/how-to-guides/

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