Only a few days before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Some Christians use the phrase a triumphal entry. What kind of triumphal entry is it when someone rides a colt, a foal of a donkey? Triumphal entries are supposed to be on gallant steeds with a host of soldiers.
That is possibly what the Russian army expected when it came into Ukraine with its tank convoy, the equivalent of a leader on a stallion and a mass of soldiers, but encountered resistance to the death. The Ukrainian resistance has been a long standing one, dating ae least back to the 1880s when the Czar tried to eradicate the Ukrainian language.
Oleksandr Konysky’s Prayer for Ukraine was written in response to the attempts to “Russify” Ukraine. Like Jesus’ entry, the prayer was not an entry of conquest, but of the recognition of God’s sovereignty even over the forces of evil. Jesus is still walking to Jerusalem. How will we join in that walk?
Prayer for the Day
Walking, we cry aloud to you, O God, when will this be over,
For we are tired and fearful, knowing not what the day will bring;
Shuddering, we want this to be finished, O God, but it is not so,
For we now know the depths of human depravity.
Grant, O most merciful One, that we are able to find life
Even in the midst of death and destruction.
In the name of him who calls us to life,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Lord, oh the Great and Almighty, Protect our beloved Ukraine, Bless her with freedom and light of your holy rays. With learning and knowledge enlighten us, your children small, In love pure and everlasting let us, oh Lord, grow. We pray, oh Lord Almighty, protect our beloved Ukraine, Grant our people and country all your kindness and grace. Bless us with freedom, bless us with wisdom, Guide into kind world, Bless us, oh Lord, with good fortune Forever and evermore.
Prayer for Ukraine, set to music as a hymn.
On this poor, indigent ground/I shall sow flowers of flowing colors; I shall sow flowers even amidst the frost, And water them with my bitter tears.
- Lesia Ukrainia, poet (1871-1913)
I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage’ wait for the Lord!
Psalm 27: 13-14