In a recent statement of faith I wrote, “I am amazed of the peace I get to experience amongst a chaotic and fear-filled world”. I am amazed by the peace I get to experience knowing life in this world is temporary, but my heart aches. I’ve seen several social media posts by clergy and laity, as you may have as well, offering a prayer for circumstances in Ukraine. I continue to pray the prayer below offered by a former colleague of mine.

A Prayer for the Start of War

(A prayer for Ukraine) 

God,

Somewhere, in a place I do not know,

windows shudder in their panes,

dust is kicked up into the air,

alarms cry out

warning

Warning

War is coming.

Somewhere, in a place I do not know,

fathers cling tightly onto their babies,

mothers fill pots and bottles with water,

radios and TVs cry out in repeat,

warning

Warning

War is coming.

Somewhere, in a place I do not know,

politicians listen to powerpoint presentations,

making decisions for young kids with guns,

instructing commanders to yell out,

warning

Warning

War is coming.

Soon, in a place I do not know,

walls will be reduced to rubble,

blood will flow from innocent wounds,

bellies will ache for a bit of bread,

skin will grow numb from an endless cold,

and the sound of mourning will rise from the ground.

God, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Holy Spirit, have mercy.

Soften the hearts of powerful leaders poised for war,

still the fingers wrapped on the trigger of so many guns,

end the bloodshed with your endless mercy,

bring peace through non-violence,

call forth life in the midst of death,

bring your justice here and now

for-

warning

Warning

War is already here.

Amen.