Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

Prayer for Ukraine

By

This 2016 photo is from Resurrection Lutheran Church in Kyiv,
pastored by Pres. Vyacheslav Horpynchuk of the ULC.

The eyes of the world are focused on Ukraine as war has erupted. The CELC Planning Committee offers this prayer for Ukraine, with special concern for the members of our sister CELC church—the Ukrainian Lutheran Church.

Gracious heavenly Father,

You have told us that there will be wars in this world until the end of time because the sinfulness of humanity leads to division, hatred, and brutality.

Yet we know that you control everything in this world, and you urge us to pray for rulers so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

These days we hold before you the country of Ukraine, and especially our brothers and sisters in the Ukrainian Lutheran Church and the Gift of Life ministry, as war has come to their country.

In your mercy, please limit destruction and the loss of life in this conflict, and restore peace quickly, if it is your will.

For our brothers and sisters in the Ukrainian Lutheran Church we pray that you preserve their lives, and that you continue to provide what they need day by day during the disruption and hardship of war.

Most of all, keep our brothers and sisters strong in faith during this distress. Allow them to share the promises of your Word with each other in person or online, and give them comfort through the good news of the forgiveness of sins and salvation in Jesus Christ, found in your Word and sacraments.

Also, provide opportunities for our brothers and sisters to share the hope of the gospel with others around them who do not know Christ. Somehow use this calamity for the spread of the gospel and the furtherance of your church.

We pray in the name of our Redeemer Jesus, trusting that you love us for his sake. Amen

 

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The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference is a worldwide fellowship of Lutheran church bodies, committed to the teachings of the Lutheran Church found in the Book of Concord of 1580. Established in 1993 with thirteen churches, the CELC has grown by God’s grace to include thirty-four church bodies today.

Every three years, representatives from CELC churches gather for fellowship and theological study at an international convention. Regional meetings are held in alternate years. These gatherings provide spiritual encouragement for confessional Lutherans who often find themselves quite isolated. Visitors are always welcome at these gatherings

Joint work of the CELC includes the writing of The Eternal Word: A Lutheran Confession for the Twenty-First Century, which testifies to the unity of doctrine enjoyed by CELC churches. The CELC also has a commission to help coordinate and improve theological training in CELC churches.

Speaking about the heart and core of the CELC, former President Gaylin Schmeling wrote:  “The CELC stands ready to give answer to the confident hope of salvation in Christ that is within us. It is a refuge for those seeking confessional homes and a beacon shining the light of the Gospel in a sin-darkened world. Here the central truth of the Reformation, justification by faith alone, continues to be proclaimed. We are declared righteous by nothing we do or accomplish, but alone on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work which is counted as ours through faith in the Savior. He accomplished salvation for all on the cross and announced it to all by His resurrection, declaring the whole world righteous in Christ. This treasure is brought to us personally through the means of grace and is received by faith alone in the Savior which is worked through those very means of grace.”

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