Slideshow image

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 

Jesus is the Prince of Peace who calls us to pray for peace. We pray for Ukraine and Russia. We pray for Eastern Europe. We pray for Afghanistan and the Middle East. We pray for the United States.  We pray for peace around the globe. There is so much need for peace – peace in our homes, neighborhoods, churches, communities – in our world. Yet peace comes at a cost, and it takes bold faith.  

Rev. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was martyred in WWII remarked, “Peace must be dared.” He boldly explained “There is no way to peace along the way of safety. For peace must be dared. It is the great venture. It can never be made safe. Peace is the opposite of security . . . peace means to give oneself altogether to the law of God . . . . Battles are won, not with weapons, but with God. They are won where the way leads to the cross.” 

Bold faith means looking beyond ourselves as we walk in the way of the cross. At Desert Cross we have been praying for peace in Ukraine. We are finding ways to help with humanitarian aid and our March Hunger Jar dedicated to Lutheran Disaster Response has generously raised over $5,000 that we have sent to help those in need.  We will pray boldly for peace, for all those whose lives are in danger, for Russia for changed hearts in those who commit injustice, and for hope in dark times. You are invited to light a candle for peace in Ukraine this weekend in worship as part of an international movement #WePrayForUkraine: 

A Prayer for Ukraine from #weprayforukraine:

God of all peoples and nations,

Who created all things alive and breathing, United and whole, Show us the way of peace that is your overwhelming presence. We hold before you the peoples of Ukraine and Russia, Every child and every adult. We long for the time When weapons of war are beaten into ploughshares When nations no longer lift up sword against nation. We cry out to you for peace; Protect those who only desire and deserve to live in security and safety Comfort those who fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones Be with those who are bereaved. Change the hearts of those set on violence and aggression And fill leaders with the wisdom that leads to peace. Kindle again in us a love of our neighbor, And a passion for justice to prevailand a renewed recognition that we all play a part in peace. Creator of all hear our prayer And bring us peace. Make us whole.

Amen. 

After you pray, listen to a praise song about Jesus, our Prince of Peace: King of Kings, by Chandler Moore.

Pray boldly,Pastor Andrea