Before Russia invaded Ukraine last week, we saw a flood of media reporting on the issue of conflict between these two countries, and much more will be reported in the weeks and months ahead. However, the conflict had already claimed the lives of more than 14,000 people and displaced more than 1.5 million, even before the first missile was fired on Thursday, the 24th of February.
Where does this conflict leave the Church right now? This certainly is a time to lay hold of the Lord for His glory to be displayed in Ukraine, Russia and surrounding nations – regardless of personal and media opinions. More than ever, we need to exercise discernment, wisdom and withhold ourselves from choosing sides. As the Church in the rest of the world, we will do well to join the Church in both these nations in crying out to God. We pray with them for God’s will to be done and for unity between the Church in Ukraine and Russia. In our day, there is an evil that is rising against the Spirit of Christ, and it is rising everywhere. Let us therefore be sure to spend more time in prayer than merely discussing these matters – so the Lord our God may have His glory!
Let us pray
Right focus: Father of glory, we lift up in prayer the Church in Ukraine and Russia before Your throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). We declare that this fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). We pray for leaders on both sides to recognise the true enemy fighting against them all.
Release boldness: Open the eyes of their understanding to discern the activities in the spiritual realm over their individual cities, towns, villages and communities. Give them great boldness in prayer to resist evil and pray for spiritual breakthroughs, living daily with testimonies of signs and wonders as You provide numerous answers to prayer (Hebrews 5:14).
Open spiritual eyes: Like Elijah asked for Gehazi’s eyes to open to see the encampment of angel armies in the spirit, so we pray that You will open the eyes of believers in both countries – that they will see the angel armies present at Your command and will surrender to Your will and purpose for both their nations (2 Kings 6:17).
Great harvest: Father, You are still in control and what the enemy has planned for evil, you use to bring good. We pray for those caught in the grip of fear, suffering and loss to turn to You. May their hearts be receptive to the Gospel and may You bring many sons and daughters to glory, so You will be praised in the midst of this conflict.
Missions work: Sanctions implemented by Western countries against Russian financial institutions will also affect the funds available for missions work. There are 117 unreached people groups in Russia who need to be reached with the gospel. Let us cry out to the Lord for the harvest of souls and that nothing will hinder the work of missionaries working in Russia.
Peace: We ask that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard the hearts and minds of those standing on the walls of their nation (Philippians 4:7), while they also have to defend and protect their families.
Love and forgiveness: Lord Jesus, You taught us to love our enemies and to forgive those who sin against us. Please pour out Your love afresh in the hearts of believers in Ukraine, enabling them to follow these commands, so that they will bring honour to their Heavenly Father.
Multiplication: Father, please provide a supernatural multiplication of food, water, and medical supplies (Matthew 14).
Felt needs: We pray for the increase of shelters, the distribution of emergency supplies, as well as the protection of strategic infrastructure – especially airports – necessary for providing humanitarian relief. Also for doctors and medical personnel to reach those in need with sufficient supplies.
Empowered from on high: We pray for a special Holy Spirit baptism for believers, needed in times of persecution and hardship – supernatural faith, perseverance, endurance and joy. We pray that You will baptise them with the spirit of prayer to intercede according to your will. Father, give them the anointing to minister to those suffering shock and trauma, and to do miracles, signs and wonders that will turn many to Christ.
Protection: We ask for angelic assistance to protect and help preserve human lives. May missiles, bombs and bullets not reach their targets, but be rendered harmless.
Word of the Lord: Ask the Lord to give you Scripture to pray over both these nations and their leaders daily. Keep the faith, do not grow weary in prayer and intercession. Isa 55:11 – “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
