Genesis 28:15. “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
The most recent war in Ukraine has saw millions of refugees displaced. The United Nations is preparing for up to seven million internally displaced persons and as many as five million refugees. Many of these refugees will wish to remain as close as possible to Ukraine or to join with family and friends in states with which they have a connection (particularly Poland and Hungary where there are pre-existing large Ukrainian diaspora).
It is anticipated that many Ukrainians leaving the current conflict will hope to return home once peace is restored. The vast majority of the refugees who have left Ukraine are women and children. This is simply the most recent crisis and disturbance that has seen millions of individuals displaced from their homelands. Whilst we specifically remember Ukraine we also remember all refugees.
Loving God, your Son Jesus Christ, wept over Jerusalem.
Today, we weep over Ukraine. We weep for those uprooted from their homes and lives. We weep for those cowering in basements. We weep for those who have witnessed death and destruction on their streets.
We weep for those separated from parents, from children, from spouses and siblings. We are amazed at the resilience of people seeking to comfort those in need and so we pray for Governments opening up borders so that Ukrainians can have safe passage.
We pray for churches and individuals providing food, clothing and shelter. We pray for medical workers ensuring that shattered bodies are put back together again. We pray for ordinary Russians demonstrating and voicing their disapproval of the military actions in Ukraine.
May the Holy Spirit give us the willpower to turn our tears into action also. May we, through our words, prayers and example pursue the things that make for a just peace in the world today and especially in Ukraine. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen
(from Methodist UK website)
Deacon Gordon Pennykid DCS
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 