Back to the Table
Russia, the US, and Ukraine are set to meet in Abu Dhabi next week, and we pray for the peacemakers at the table and for the people waiting on what they decide.
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Friday that the next round of talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine is expected to begin Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, with Russian state media saying the meetings will last two days. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has said the parties plan to discuss security guarantees, de-escalation, humanitarian issues, and further steps toward a peaceful settlement (Anadolu Agency).
We have seen rounds of talks before, and it is easy to grow numb to the word "negotiations." But behind every agenda item is a family. Security guarantees mean a mother deciding whether it is safe to bring her children home. Humanitarian issues mean prisoners, displaced neighbors, and families still waiting to go home.
Jesus did not call peacemakers blessed because peace is easy. He called them blessed because peace is costly, slow, and worth it. We are not at the table in Abu Dhabi, but we are not powerless. Prayer is how we bring the people who are not in the room before the God who is.
A prayer for this weekPrince of Peace, go before every delegation gathering in Abu Dhabi. Give them honest words, patient hearts, and the courage to choose what protects life. Comfort the people of Ukraine and Russia who have buried loved ones, fled their homes, or wait for word of someone missing. Where talks stall, keep hope alive. Where pride hardens, soften it. Let your peace, not ours, have the final word. Amen.
One thing to do: Pray for the talks each day on Tuesday and Wednesday. Then give to a trusted ministry or relief group bringing warmth, food, and shelter to families displaced by the war this winter.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9, ESV)
Source: Anadolu Agency