Pray for the Russia-Ukraine Crisis
As the situation in Ukraine unfolds, Christians join the rest of the world in grieving the loss of lives and the damage that is being inflicted on people and places.
What is happening in Ukraine? After weeks of posturing and diplomacy with the US, Europe while the world waited with bated breath, Russian president Vladimir Putin has finally launched an invasion by land, air and sea on neighbouring Ukraine. This is the largest conventional attack on a European state since World War 2, 80 years ago. Since the annexation of the Crimean region of Ukraine in 2014, the Ukrainian government has built up its military and in the last few days has been bracing itself for war.
The background to the invasion lies in Russia’s objection to Ukraine joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union. Russia had made repeatedly called for assurances that Ukraine not join those entities, which it perceives as a threat to its own security. President Putin has called for guarantee of the demilitarisation of the nation. Ukraine, a nation of 44 million people neighbouring Russia had refused, leading to the amassing of thousands of troops at the Ukrainian-Russian border. Since war broke out, Russian missiles have rained down on Ukrainian cities, ships have landed, and troops have been deployed. Missiles have rained down on the Ukrainian city of Kyiv on both military and civillian targets, and fierce fighting has broken out as Russian troops and tanks have marched across the border both in the norheast and in the south. Images of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing their homes by train and highways packed with cars have emerged on social media. The Ukranian government leadership, its military and even armed civillians have pledged to defend their sovereignty against foreign invasion.
As we watch the news and seek to live out our faith in the world, we are tempted to lament the state of affairs and wring our hands in helplessness. But remember what Scripture says: "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed for this must take place, but the end is not yet." (Matt 24:6 ESV) Do not be surprised by war in this fallen world. And we are not helpless, because we have acecss to a God both sovereign and mighty. According to Psalm 96:10 "Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity."
We should pray for God's mercy on the people, both nations and global and regional and military leaders. We should pray for the cessation of war and violence, and the return of peace. Proverbs 16:12 says "It is an abominationto kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness." How should we pray for these leaders? Paul says that "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way," (1 Tim 2:1-2 ESV).
As a church, we can continue to keep the nation and the Ukrainian church and Christians in prayer. We ought to also pray for Russian leaders to pursue peace, and for the Christians in the land to continue to be steadfast.
We also continue to pray for peace in the region and for wisdom of world leaders who are trying to prevent further damage through diplomacy and an escalation of the situation. Pray that economic sanctions will deter further violence and military action. At the same time, we continue to look to the God who is in control of all things. The Bible’s witness is that the Lord is in control even of the affairs of nations and that He is working to achieve His unseen purposes.
To help us understand the situation and pray in an informed manner, here are some resources on this subject. We hope to update this regularly, to provide us with more prayer resources.
11 ways to pray during the crisis in Ukraine (Source: Send International)
"Ask God to redeem this situation by drawing many people to Himself. May Ukrainians and Russians discover that Jesus is the only true source of peace, safety, comfort, truth and freedom." Read more here.
The FAQs: Russia’s Military Incursion into Ukraine (Source: The Gospel Coalition)
"Pray also for our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Ukraine and are anxious about the 'rumors of wars' (Matt. 24:6)." Read more here.
To Stay and Serve: Why We Didn’t Flee Ukraine (Source: The Gospel Coalition)
"And while the church may not fight like the nation, we still believe we have a role to play in this struggle. We will shelter the weak, serve the suffering, and mend the broken. And as we do, we offer the unshakable hope of Christ and his gospel." Read more here.
Ukraine Prayer Guide (Source: Send Relief)
Among other requests, pray for "local churches, relief workers and humanitarian aid organizations to care for what could be a massive wave of displaced peoples in Ukraine". Read more here.