As the crisis in Ukraine deepens, this is a reminder that Billingsley Church and churchyard are always open for prayer, or simply as quiet places to sit and reflect.

Below is one of the psalms appointed for today, with a prayer afterwards; it seems appropriate when some rulers are following false gods.

Psalm 82

Refrain: Arise, O God, and judge the earth.

in the midst of the gods he gives judgement:

2 How long will you judge unjustly

and show such favour to the wicked?

3 You were to judge the weak and the orphan;

defend the right of the humble and needy;

4 Rescue the weak and the poor;

deliver them from the hand of the wicked. R

5 They have no knowledge or wisdom;

they walk on still in darkness:

all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6 Therefore I say that though you are gods

and all of you children of the Most High,

7 Nevertheless, you shall die like mortals

and fall like one of their princes.’

8 Arise, O God and judge the earth,

for it is you that shall take all nations for your possession.

Refrain: Arise, O God, and judge the earth.

God our deliverer,

when the foundations are shaken

and justice has departed,

defend the poor and needy

and give your people strength to fight all wrong

in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.