Praying for End to War
Friday’s Verse:
From Matthew 5:9 ESV
(Jesus said) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
This week, the U.S. Congress passed its fourth sanctions bill against Russia since the start of its war against Ukraine. The first three haven’t done anything, so why not add another, this time putting the late Senator Lindsay Graham’s name on it. Will this latest bill do anything? Probably not.
It is heartbreaking to see and hear of the incredible death toll on both sides. Men, women, and children sacrificed for … what? Depending on who you believe, there have been anywhere from 500,000 to over 3 Million deaths on both sides, including military and civilian totals. But no one really knows for sure. These numbers should wreck our souls.
In the Beatitudes, our Lord Jesus tells His disciples, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” We are called on by our Lord to be peacemakers as followers of Jesus Christ. Being in peace doesn’t mean that we ignore what is happening in the world. It doesn’t mean that we should look away from the incredible suffering of people in war. It means we go to our Father in prayer, asking for an end to bloodshed and hurting. It means we stand for truth to shine light on the darkness of war.
Pray that there will be no more violence. Pray for those who are currently at risk of being hurt, including women, men, children, and those who have fled their homes. Pray for leaders who will help put an end to this, and pray that all who have committed acts of hate and vengeance repent.
Let us remember that Christ is our peace. There is no nationality that we shouldn't care about and no pain that we shouldn't allow God to mend. Let us continue to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world until the day that all swords are turned to plowshares.
✝️ A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, the seemingly endless war between Russia and Ukraine has stained humanity. I pray for an end to this bloodshed, that all of Your people can come together in peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
The photo above was created by Gemini AI (Google)