God of hope,
as Ukraine balances on a knife edge,
we pray for peace.
Peace for Ukrainian citizens living with constant anxiety,
fearful that calamity will fall upon them today.
Peace for the Russian soldiers who are waiting for orders,
fearful for their own lives.
Peace for neighbouring countries who know
that war makes refugees that must be welcomed.
We pray for the beautiful land of Ukraine,
its vast steppes and rich soil:
too much blood has been spilled there over time.
God, we cry to you about the unfairness
of how power is concentrated in this world,
that one man holds the fate of so many.
Hold back the tanks and troops.
Stop the planes and bombs.
Shelter these people from aggression,
let the children grow up in peace.
Give wisdom to diplomats
as they try to convince Russian leaders
that no one wins in war.
Don’t let this day go down in history
as the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In your mercy, let it be a day of peace. Amen.
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I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.