“We must pray for peace in Ukraine, but we must pray for the kind of peace that accompanies justice and virtue and truth—even if that takes time and, perhaps, some fighting to secure.“

Today, we want to offer a reflection on how we can be praying amidst the growing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Our guest blogger is Greer Bates Cordner, who is a Ph.D. student at Boston University School of Theology and a former missionary in southern Ukraine. Read below to hear her suggestions on what it means to pray for peace in Ukraine right now.

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Many people have committed to fast and pray or attend special worship services to ask God for peace in Ukraine. As we prepare for those important devotions, though, I felt an urge to share a caution that I received during some of my own pleadings. 

It is important to consider what kind of “peace” we desire for Ukraine. More specifically, I think that we need to pray for a “peace” that means something much more than an end to the armed conflict. 

The war needs to end—absolutely. The shelling and killing and destroying must stop. But there are many ways for the conflict to end, and not all of them constitute “peace,” in my mind. 

After all, if Ukraine surrenders, gives in to Putin’s puppet government, yields her territory, and turns vassal, the fighting might end. But would that mean “peace”? If Ukraine falls (without surrender), and time passes before any meaningful pods of resistance can form, there might be a lapse in armed conflict for a while. Would that interim be a time of “peace”? Has there been “peace” in Ukraine for the past several years while the fighting and occupation have simmered out of sight from our headlines and news feeds? Was there “peace” in the months leading up to this most recent invasion, before the fighting broke out? 

We must pray for peace in Ukraine, but we must pray for the kind of peace that accompanies justice and virtue and truth—even if that takes time and, perhaps, some fighting to secure. 

Let us pray that the armed conflict ceases without the destruction of Ukraine’s sovereignty. 

Let us pray that the invaders’ hearts will sicken at the realization of their actions, and that anyone with an ounce of authority over the troops will begin to pull back, resist Putin’s commands, and leave their neighbors be. 

Let us pray that the defenders’ hearts will strengthen to endure whatever amount of fighting it takes to achieve the kind of peace that doesn’t mean victory for the abusers.

Let us pray that the civilians will find shelter and support, that international aid will rally behind them, that countries will embrace the refugees, and that families can somehow be reunited and live in enduring security. 

Let us pray that in the aftermath of this war, Russia, Ukraine, and the rest of our nations take hard stock of our governments, and begin (or continue) the process of rooting out corruption, self-interest, and greed. 

Let us pray that this war doesn’t set up a precedent of inaction by those of us whose personal security affords us the option to look away, or to call for the speediest end to the fight, no matter the cost to a faraway country. 

Let us pray for the stomachs to fight for hard peace instead of the absence of conflict. 

Oh God, pour out peace on Ukraine, on the world, but please let it be this kind of peace—even if it takes time and some fighting to reach. And if the road to hard peace isn’t fast or free of conflict, then pour out strength and courage and faith on anyone who battles for what’s right and true. 

О Боже, дай Украине настоящий, тяжёлый, справедливый мир. И дай ей храбрость бороться для него. Пусть это будет в Украине по словам Твоего Сына: «Мир оставляю вам, мир Мой даю вам; не так, как мир даёт, Я даю вам. Да не смущается сердце ваше и да не устрашается.» Во имя Иисуса Христа, аминь. 

[Translation: Oh God, give Ukraine a real, hard, just peace. And give her the courage to fight for it. Let it be in Ukraine according to the words of Thy Son: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.]

We had a wonderful set of gatherings this year for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity! The theme for 2022 was the Epiphany, taken from the second chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew. The material was developed by the Middle East Council of Churches and, in particular, churches in Lebanon. The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “coming forth.” Each year in January, the Church recalls the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem, as they come to see God’s redemptive work in the Incarnation of Christ. Together, we discerned God’s shining light in front of us.

See highlighted photos & videos from the various prayer gatherings below!

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In the midst of humanity’s darkness, the star from the East shone. The star’s light was not only an illumination at a particular historical moment but it continues to shine and change the face of human history. Despite the vicissitudes of history and the changing of circumstances, the Risen One continues to shine, moving within the flow of history like a beacon guiding all into this perfect light and overcoming the darkness which separates us from one another.

-Opening prayer from the worldwide worship service for this year’s Week of Prayer

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From Pastor Robin Lutjohann: “I was moved by the prayers people shared – and felt that this was well worth our time. I feel strengthened in Christ.”

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Wednesday January 25: Listening Prayer and Discernment

What God is speaking for the Church in Boston in 2022? Pastor Devlin Scott and Kika Ghobrials led us in a time of listening to God, discerning, and sharing words to hold onto for 2022. Here is our collective Word of God for the Church in Boston in 2022:

This week, we’re featuring a blog written by UniteBoston’s Communications Administrator Rev. Devlin Scott. Devlin shares six reflective prayer points based on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s book “Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community?,” to start off the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We recommend using these prayer points this week in personal devotional times, with your community group, or during your Sunday worship gathering. Read more below!

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To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Many know the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a great civil rights leader, but fewer know him as a brilliant intellectual, keen observer of and prophetic voice to American society. His voice was often like a “north star,” guiding those seeking to behold a world that looks more like the one God, our Creator, intended. His final book before he was murdered, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, points to the need for deep and lasting change. This provided hope of reaching the place we all long for this world to be – the united church, as Jesus’ hands and feet, leading the way to reveal The Great Hope that knits us together – The Messiah. 

With this book, we are exposed to ideas from 55 years ago presented with such clarity and elegance that they continue to have great relevance to our society today, especially amidst the division, discord, and inequities that have only grown during the pandemic. Unfortunately, we are still waiting on the change he prophetically called us to embrace.  When considering the unity of Christians around the world, consider what often causes that unity to feel distant and hard to reach.  Ask yourself, “how can Boston become a better place for people of ALL backgrounds?” Prayer that is guided by the wisdom of Rev. Dr. King’s book is a wonderful starting point for this week. 

With this in mind, we invite you to use these six prayer points, contextualized by the chapters of Rev. Dr. King’s book, to start off your Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

• Prayer Point One:

In Chapter 1, Dr. King asked the question, “Where Are We?” By 1967, white Americans were ready to stop outright cruelty, but were not committed to full equality and dignity for African Americans.  Allyship is necessary. God, call those who aren’t affected by racism and injustice to have heart for it to change. Break our hearts with the things that break yours.

• Prayer Point Two:

In Chapter 2, Dr. King discusses “Black Power.” His point is centered around the struggle to both find common ground across race and class lines and also help oppressed people experience their own empowerment and self-determination. Many BIPOC people are exhausted from the consistent fight for justice, equity and equality. Holy Spirit, refresh those who are weary and restore safe spaces to be recharged.

• Prayer Point Three:

In Chapter 3, Dr. King acknowledges the common tango of the fight against racism and backlash from white people.  In the words of Frederick Douglass, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will” (Frederick Douglass, 1857). Protests and demonstrations were met with intense backlash; this cycle/ pattern has deepened the wounds in the relational history of BIPOC and white Christians. Oh God, may mercy be our response, as it was Christ’s response. May grace avail, as it does for You. 

• Prayer Point Four:

In Chapter 4: Dr. King describes the dilemma of African Americans.  King says, “Those who start behind in a race must forever remain behind or must run faster than those in front.”  This is not what God intended for mankind – not one of them. No race, ethnicity, gender or person was created to be beneath another human.  God created them in His image. God, may there be reparation to repair the deep systemic injustices in our world. May I be used as a voice in the wilderness. 

• Prayer Point Five:

In Chapter 5, Dr. King asks the question, “Where Are We Going?” The way to end racism is through collaborative action that depends on mutual gain and sacrifice among diverse groups. The interests of multiple parties must be served. When they are served by ending racism, racism will end. What is the mutual benefit for Christains to see an end to mistreatment of God’s people? It is not our witness that the whole world may know His love? God, please reveal to us what it would take to end racism and injustice and give us the courage to act on it so that You may be glorified. 

• Prayer Point Six:

Finally, in Chapter 6, Dr. King envisions “The World House.”  King describes the civil rights movement as part of a world struggle against racism, poverty, and militarism. To achieve genuine liberation, the U. S. movement and its allies must build a coalition that can cross borders and achieve international peace and prosperity. The challenge is whether Americans will see their self-interest in supporting this world movement leading to community — a great “world house” — or oppose it leading to a world of chaos. Peace and progress in the U.S. alone is not the answer.  Peace on earth and good will toward ALL people is God’s intent. 

This year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was developed by the Middle East Council of Churches and, in particular, churches in Lebanon. Present times in Lebanon are extremely difficult and economically disastrous. All this combined with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have made the situation tremendously stressful. The power of prayer in solidarity with those who suffer is a demonstration of Christian unity and a sign of communion.

God, be with Your children who are suffering all over the world. I acknowledge my privilege and the blessings You continue to allow me to enjoy in America. I pray for change to come to the most marginalized places and people groups around the world, and may the change start with me.

Let us be those creative dissenters who will call our beloved nation to a higher destiny, to a new plateau of compassion, to a more noble expression of humanness.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?

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He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. (Isaiah 2:4-5)

During this festival of Epiphany, reflecting upon the manifestation of Christ to the Magi, we’ve come to the close of the Advent season, celebrating the birth of Christ, our hope and our salvation, the coming Messiah – the ‘Prince of Peace.’  

But it is riveting to see, regardless of our faith or spiritual beliefs, that the world news keeps repeating the same stories – despair, tragedy, and warfare; pain and human suffering. There is the injustice of hunger and poverty…the senselessness of brutal murders and violence. People look to the sciences and in space exploration to find satisfaction, and in education and personal achievements for human fulfillment. 

How ironic, that one of the words we associate most at this time of the year is ‘peace’ – “Peace on Earth.” We sing joyously Christmas Carols of Jesus being the “Prince of Peace.” However, the mood in our country and around the world is far from peaceful. 

This year, many of us will approach Ephiphany with a sense of loss much due to the severity of this world’s pandemic. Persons are engulfed and preoccupied with worries, grief and pain that seems to peak during what should be a time of joy and celebration. Our souls long and hunger for an inner peace that cannot be achieved through human efforts, but can only come from God, as we seek his guidance. 

The words coming from the Prophet Isaiah, describes the time when God’s promise of salvation will be a reality, not just for the house of Jacob, but for all nations, for all people. This dream of peace and an end to conflict will cease. The Prophet Isaiah invites us to anticipate a time when all peoples and nations will turn toward God and live-in peace, as we “ walk toward the Light of the Lord”. May you find peace in his promises.

 Thought: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” (Saint Francis) 

The challenges of 2021 were profound: the lingering pandemic and Delta variant… profound polarization, violence, and disregard for those of differing views… Economic gaps, racial disparities and fragmentation that continue to grow… Amidst this religious and political landscape, UniteBoston’s ministry continued our work to provide connection, renewal and resilience to the body of Christ and surrounding communities. Read below to see UniteBoston’s top ten highlighted photos & videos of 2021!

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Thanks for being part of the UB Community! We look forward to seeing what God has in store for us in 2022!