As conflict and uncertainty continues in Ukraine we want to help people know how to pray for this situation. One of our members, Steph Higgins, works for an organisation (ACET UK) that supports work with Ukrainian young people. She has kindly provided this prayer guide to aide us as we intercede.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Tim 2:1-2)
Stephen Walker-Williams, Pastor – Team Leader
Praying for Ukraine
Igor Bandura, vice president of the Baptist Union of Ukraine has shared: “We are urgently praying and intentionally working to be ready for whatever happens. We realise that we can’t do much but we want to be faithful in what God entrusted us with.”
Here are some ways that we can pray:
Pray that peace will reign in Ukraine and that God would intervene to prevent conflict. Pray that divisions with Russia would be healed. Pray for His protection on both sides of the Ukraine- Russia border, and that people would be able to live in safety. Pray that Russian troops would withdraw from the borders of Ukraine.
Pray for world leaders and other politicians and civil servants who are engaged in diplomatic efforts. Pray for wisdom as they seek to find ways to avoid conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and improve the relationship between Russia and western powers. Pray that God would be moving amidst these conversations.
Pray for Ukrainians and Russians on the borderland to know God’s all surpassing peace, whether they know Him or not. Pray for courage, and loving communities that take care of the most vulnerable during a time of tension and an unknown future.
Pray for Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. Pray that God would give him a heart for peace and guide his steps as he makes plans and communicates with other world leaders. Pray that he would be surrounded by advisors who can assist him with finding a peaceful solution to Russia’s security concerns.
Pray for Baptist churches in Ukraine, who are in the middle of the week of special prayer time for Ukraine. In every church all around the country, every night, people are coming together either at private homes or churches and urgently pray for God’s protection and intervention. Pray that these prayer times would encourage and strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ, and that they would be able to discern what God is saying to them during this time. Pray that they would trust in God as their Good Shepherd.
Pray for the mental health of young people during this time of uncertainty. Mental health diagnoses among Ukrainian teenagers are some of the highest in Europe pre-pandemic. This has been exacerbated by the challenges of the pandemic and the current tensions. Pray that parents would be able to comfort their children and provide a safe space within the family for them to share their emotions
Pray that Christians in Ukraine would be messengers of His hope to their family, friends and communities. Pray that conversations around the current tensions would open up discussions about faith. Pray that God would be working in the lives of many in Ukraine and Russia so that they would know Jesus as the true source of peace, safety, comfort, truth and freedom
Pray for missionaries who have left their home countries to minister to people in Ukraine. Pray for wisdom as they respond to changing situations, for their families abroad, and for God’s blessing on their ministry during this time.