Both East and West seem to be wanting to take the Ukraine for themselves, whilst at the same time threatening total war. Taking into consideration the fact that all of the Bible prophecies were written before the invention of gunpowder, and there was no language to describe man-made explosions, there seems to be some remarkable evidence that there will be a huge war, probably nuclear, at the end of time. Should our leaders continue to bait each other?
Revelation 9:17-19
17 The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue, and yellow as sulphur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulphur. 18 A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulphur that came out of their mouths. 19 The power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails were like snakes, having heads with which they inflict injury.
A Prayer for Peace in Our Time
O God, author and giver of peace,
in whose image and likeness each of us has been created
with a human dignity worthy of respect on earth
and destined for eternal glory,
Listen to the cry that rises from every corner of this fragile earth,
from our human family torn by violent conflict:
Give peace in our time, O good and gracious God,
that peace which, as your son Jesus Christ told us
and as we have experienced in these days,
is a peace which the world cannot give.
To world leaders grant the wisdom
to see beyond the boundaries of race, religion, and nation
to that common humanity that makes us all your children
and brothers and sisters to one another.
To those who have taken up arms in anger or revenge
or even in the cause of justice
grant the grace of conversion to the path of peaceful dialogue
and constructive collaboration.
To the innocent who live in the shadow of war and terror,
especially the frightened children,
be a shelter and strength, their haven and hope.
And to those who have already lost their lives
as victims of human cruelty and warfare,
open wide your arms and enfold them all
in the embrace of your compassion, healing, and everlasting life.
Grant this through Jesus Christ, your son, our Lord. Amen.
Refugees and Victims of War
Lord God,
No one is a stranger to you
And no one is ever far from your loving care.
In your kindness, watch over refugees and victims of war,
Those separated from their loved ones,
Young people who are lost,
The elderly who seek a simple peace,
Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be,
And help us always to show your kindness
to strangers and to all in need.
Suggested listening
The Rolling Stones – Gimme Shelter – www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRWpKevJjNE Bob Dylan – Masters of War – www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEmI_FT4YHU Wonderful Peace – www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qYZros8oHI
