Dear First Pres,

   My heart has been heavy today as I see the reports of violence in Ukraine. This Russian attack is simply horrible, and it is an affront to the prayer of God’s people for His kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. And yet, praying is the most powerful thing we can do right now. I’m not in the room where presidents and prime ministers and diplomats are working to discern how best to respond to this Russian action, but I can enter the throne room of the Most High God who is sovereign over the kingdoms of the earth. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

   When Ezra was about to lead the band of exiles along the perilous journey back to Jerusalem, he called for them to fast and pray. As we approach the Lenten season – Ash Wednesday is next week – I encourage you to consider how you might enter into a season of fasting and praying.

   And how should you pray? What’s happening in Ukraine today is one of a thousand types of injustices happening around our world. Every one of them matters to our God whose throne is established in justice and righteousness (Psalm 89:14). The same was true in the 1st Century when Jesus instructed people how to pray. So, I encourage you to contend for the things that Jesus encouraged disciples to contend for in prayer.

   Father in heaven, today, may Your name be honored and glorified, may Your kingdom come, and may Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven – in Fresno as it is in heaven, in Ukraine and Russia as it is in heaven, in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and in the United Nations as it is in heaven, in every war-torn community as it is in heaven, and in me as it is in heaven.

  • May You provide daily bread for all those in need.
  • Please forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us.
  • Lead Your people away from temptation, and deliver us from the evil one.

   The beauty of God’s grace is that when we approach His gracious throne in prayer and worship, He ministers to us. He fills us with His peace that passes understanding. He gives us wisdom and strength for today. He fills us with hope for tomorrow. He directs our steps. And He reminds us of His love. How good is our gracious God!

   So, Beloved, in the midst of all of it – whatever “it” means for you today – may you know the love of our heavenly Father, the grace of the Lord Jesus, and the presence of the Holy Spirit as you contend for His kingdom to come.

 

Blessings, 

Pastor Jeremy