Early in the morning on February 24, 2022, Putin launched a full-scale invasion in Ukraine. Russia bombarded key cities as Ukrainian forces fought back. Families have been divided as many seek shelter. Anti-war protests have broken out in Russia, but the Russian police are shutting these protests down.
While many are burdened by this news, my heart especially hurts for the Ukrainian people. My parents are from Ukraine and immigrated to the United States before I was born. I spent almost every summer of my childhood in Ukraine with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Now I am realizing that the people and places I love most may never be the same again.
My cousin, who attends a university in Ukraine, shared with me several prayer requests from a group of Christian students at her university who gathered over a video call to pray. As you go throughout your day, please remember the college students in Ukraine who just days ago were also attending classes but are now facing a war in their country.
Here are seven ways you can join me in prayer for Ukraine.
- Pray for the president and leaders of Ukraine to have wisdom in the coming days.
- Pray for wisdom, strength, and courage for the soldiers who are protecting Ukraine.
- Pray for civilians who have been displaced and for families who have been separated from each other as they have sought safety.
- Pray for those still seeking shelter, that God would give them clarity and wisdom in making hasty decisions.
- Pray for Ukrainians to seek and find the peace and hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ during this time.
- Pray for Ukrainian believers to find comfort, peace, and strength in God and share the source of their strength with others.
- Pray for God to enable the churches and missionaries of Ukraine to care for their people.
When hearing tragic news like the war in Ukraine, it is easy to despair. However, as Christians, we can trust in the sovereignty and goodness of our God. Paul Chitwood, President of the International Mission Board (IMB) said, “We know that God is sovereign in all situations, and scripture reminds us that He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. We keep our focus on Him, asking for His protection of the innocent and trusting that His justice will prevail.” (https://www.imb.org/2022/02/25/send-relief-responds-ukraine-crisis/)
May we all take comfort in the words which King David wrote when he was fleeing from his son Absalom: “Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in God.’ Selah. But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from His holy hill. Selah. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.” (Psalm 3:2-5)
If you know any missionaries or friends in Ukraine, consider sending them this Psalm. If you do not know of anyone specific, take time today to pray this Psalm over the people of Ukraine. The Bible tells us that our God is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Even as the Russian invasion of Ukraine may lead to the loss of physical life, may we as Christians pray that it leads to the spiritual rebirth of many.
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Anna Skudarnova is a senior English major and content writer for the TMU Marketing and Communications Department.
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