Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we pray for God’s continued mercy amidst our COVID situation here in Hong Kong, we are also moved by the developments around the world to offer our sincerest prayers to God on the situation in Ukraine.

The eyes of the world are fixed on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Many analysts are worried this spark, if allowed to grow, may turn into a firestorm, a crisis that should plague the world for a long period of time, or even a war that brings the sort of destruction unseen since the end of the WWII. We therefore urge all the faithful within the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui to pray for the leaders around the world, that they may resolve conflicts with a heart of peace. We pray as well for the people of Ukraine, that God may protect them. We pray for the church and its faithful in Ukraine, especially the Anglican clergy and congregation still there, that God may steel their faith, their hope, and their love. We call for all our brothers and sisters in Christ to express their prayers in their own ways. We know that some provinces are urging their faithful to light a candle every night at 8PM, and some others are calling for a weekly period of fasting and praying. May we all find a way to offer our sincerest prayers for peace in this our world.

In these complicated and dire times, it may not be helped that we find our hearts clouded with fear, worry, and despair. As Christians, we must hold fast our belief that our Lord is the God who rules our history and the universe. For as long as we are united in prayer, as long as we conduct our lives with faith, hope and love, the future that is peace shall live on.

Let us share in our prayers for the people of Ukraine, by the words written by Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell:

we pray for the people of Ukraine today.

We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.

We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,

that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.

We pray for those with power over war or peace,

for wisdom, discernment and compassion

to guide their decisions.

Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,

that you would hold protect them.

We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Amen.

+ Andrew Chan　+ Timothy Kwok　+ Matthias Der