How to pray for Ukraine and Russia
Updated 2/24/22
The Invasion of Ukraine by Russia
As we hear rumors of war and so many nations set themselves on a course to rage against one another once again, we must remember Yeshua’s (Jesus’) words: “Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27. Update 2/24/22 – Today, the Russian military has invaded Ukraine. We must urgently pray for the vulnerable! Pray for BOTH sides – both Ukrainians and Russians desperately need the LORD right now.
The LORD gives us His divine shalom, His peace, and we must find our peace in Him alone. Placing our confidence in anything else will result only in distress and anxiety.
The aggressions overseas are certainly unnerving to us. How much more so to the people directly affected! Ordinary civilians wanting to live an ordinary life are now facing threats and unrest, and a very uncertain future.
Praying for Ukrainians and Russians
Alas, it is easy to talk about shalom when we aren’t the ones facing missile attacks in our own neighborhoods. Yet all who would believe can find security in the depths of His love and peace. I pray today for the children of Eastern Europe, Ukraine, and Russia, that they would be able to grow up in a free society. Pray for their safety. And pray for those who need medicines. I pray that there would be an awakening to salvation.
We must pray for all of the people of Ukraine and Russia.
We are in the last days
The Bible is clear that these nations, particularly Russia, will be involved in the final events of the last days, so we should not be shocked or alarmed by what is unfolding.
The Good News of our Messiah can still reach people who live there, and we must pray for them.
Pray for people to be reached with the warmth of Messiah’s love
Eastern Europeans and Russians are frequently stereotyped as being as cold of heart as the Siberian tundra. I do not believe this is true. I do believe many people from these regions have endured much hardship and their demeanor often reflects it. Most importantly, it is not too late to reach them with the warmth of the love of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus the Christ). We must pray that they would come to know His love and His peace.
An excellent resource on how to pray during the Ukraine crisis & war
SEND International ministries has compiled an excellent resource on how to pray for Ukrainians and Russians that I found helpful. You may like to refer to this during your personal devotions or with your congregational group: 15 Ways to Pray During the Crisis in Ukraine.
The LORD works miracles even in the midst of great crises, so let us fervently pray that Ruach haKodesh (the Holy Spirit) touches hearts and lives in miraculous, saving ways. There are established evangelical churches and Messianic congregations in Ukraine.
May they be strengthened and righteously emboldened to continue to witness to their friends and neighbors even while sheltering. Let us pray that they will be protected from persecution and poverty. May they be filled with genuine peace.
The Light of Messiah shines in the darkness, and the darkness will never overcome it.
If you will join us in praying for Ukraine and Russia, please leave a comment below. We would love to know that so many of you are uniting in prayer with us!
