In this time of need in Ukraine and across the world, I hope that you will commit to unite in prayer every day for those who are in harm’s way, for those who are helping to comfort families trying to flee the conflict, for those who are caught directly in fighting the war, and for those who are in positions of leadership that could stop this war.
“Dear God, the creator and sustainer of the universe, we humbly come before you and pray. Help us to turn away from our sinful ways, and to seek you with all our heart, mind and soul. We call upon you to hear our prayers, to forgive our sins, and to heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Holy God, we know that you are the father of compassion and the God of all comfort (1 Corinthians 1:3-4), and therefore we come before you today in need of comfort for those in Ukraine, and across the world.
Holy God, draw near to the people of Ukraine. In their fear, give them comfort. And help them to be comforters to their children. In their panic, give them peace. We pray that those seeking shelter would be protected and that there would be a path to safety. Grant wisdom to the leaders and peacemakers. Be with us too, that our hearts would not become numbed to the terror and loss of those in the path of war. And open our eyes to ways that we might help. We ask for divine intervention in the defense of those who are now forced to be refugees in their own land. Guide them through the darkness that descends upon them with every attack from their enemies. Place a hedge of protection around the people of Ukraine. Take care of the children who flee in fear. Bring peace to those forced to take up arms. Empower those who face their adversary with strength and courage.
We pray for all the leaders of the world — that the Ukrainian leaders would have courage, discernment and strength, that Ukraine’s allies would be sacrificial with their resources and support, and that the Russian leaders would develop compassion and wisdom. We pray that the hearts of those who call for war would be softened. Please protect those who cry out for peace.
We pray for the emergency aid workers who rush toward harm’s way to save the injured. We pray for the doctors and nurses who are risking their lives to stay with their patients. We pray that those who are reporting on this war would shine the light of truth on the situation. For all these people, endow them with the strength that only you can give.
Lord, we pray for those who are responsible for the pain and destruction in Ukraine. We lift them up and ask that your strength would bring them to repentance. We call upon You to turn them from the path of enacting harm and plant them firmly on the path of truth, repentance, grace, and mercy. Come Holy Spirit, pour yourself out on Ukraine and Russia and make a way for peace.
To the one and only God, our refuge and strength. Be present with us in this time of trouble. Be with those who are impacted throughout the world by this conflict. Give us courage and help us to rely on you to be our center and stability. Lord, we pray for all those who are involved in this war, and especially those who do not know Christ, that in some way they will see your love and truth. Lord, we pray for protection to the local churches and missionaries, and those who even amid war are willing to share the truth of your love and of your saving grace. God, you are present within of the cities of Ukraine. Give Ukraine’s citizens confidence in your presence; That your help comes when the morning dawns. Lord of all, be with us. Be our refuge and strength. Lord, hear our prayers, Amen
Psalm 31:14-24 (NIV)
“But I trust in you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’
My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.
Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.
Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead.
Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.
In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.
Praise be to the Lord, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege.
In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord”.
Resources:
https://www.stlukesmethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Prayer-Guide-for-Ukraine-2.pdf
https://www.sendrelief.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2022/02/2202_SR_Ukraine-Response.pdf