Praying with a Painting: Longing for peace

As we continue to wrestle with the news out of Ukraine, our hearts are heavy and burdened. That there would be a Russian air strike on a maternity and children’s hospital is barbaric. As you cry out to God, you might want to pray alongside some pictures of a photographer who is currently in Ukraine. He manages to capture moments of beauty in the midst of these bleak scenes.

Or you can use my dad’s winter painting of a stream that flows in stark surroundings. Let your eye wander and settle as you ask God to help you notice something in the painting or in your heart. You could ponder the words of Jesus, which he shares with his friends after they shared their last supper together:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

In fact, you may wish to read the whole of John 16.

May God strengthen our hearts to believe that what he says is true. And may his peace break out all around the world.