Beautiful young people, running not away from danger but toward hope-filled futures!

When Ron and I headed out to take a Sunday afternoon walk along the lake, we didn’t know we would encounter a large group of spirited young people. One noticed Ron’s nice camera and asked if he would take a picture of him and the pretty young women standing next to him. Soon, others asked my husband to take photos and send them the results later. Of course, G’Pa Ron was happy to comply. How can you say “no” to a herd of youngsters around the same ages as your older grandkids!

These were friendly, delightful young people, and we enjoyed visiting with them. In conversation, we learned they were from Western Washington and had visited a large Slavic church in Spokane. Many were of Slavic descent. Some spoke in their native tongue. One young man wanted his photo taken. When Ron tried to coax him to smile, another young person said, “He’s a Ukrainian refugee.”

Those words landed heavily on my heart.

The rest of that day, I couldn’t stop thinking about the plights of immigrants and refugees. I realize this is a contentious political issue, and my aim is not to express an opinion or take a particular stance. I only want to offer a prayer for those who left homes and loved ones and now are trying to find their way in a foreign land.

Merciful Heavenly Father,

You instructed your chosen people thousands of years ago to love the foreigners in their land, remembering they themselves had once been foreigners in Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:19)

I don’t understand the political ins and outs of immigration, but as I watched that unsmiling young Ukrainian refugee today who wanted Ron to take his photograph, I realized every immigrant and refugee carries within his or her soul a story, and I felt assurance that you know and care about every story.

Protect my heart from becoming insensitive.

Remind me that only three generations past, my ancestors were immigrants in a new land, attempting to learn a strange language, adapt to foreign customs, and adjust to intolerant neighbors.

Thank you that you placed my family and me in a nation of freedom during a time of peace. Help me never forget how blessed we have been and how with blessing comes responsibility. Help me recognize when and how you may be asking me to respond and give me the willingness to obey what you ask.

I pray for the leaders of our nation as well as nations around the world who grapple with immigration issues. Grant them hearts that desire wisdom and insight to make good decisions and pass just laws.

I pray especially for the nation of Ukraine and the predicament of those so desirous of peace who are being forced to face unthinkable perils of war.

Please, God, show them your grace and mercy!

Finally, I pray for that group of energetic, eager young people we met. From among them, raise up men and women of influence whose hearts long to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You, God. (Micah 6:8)

Amen

Lent Prayer for the Immigrant and Refugee

A Lenten Prayer for BIG Problems

Lent Prayer for Strength and Guidance