Lord, We Pray For

Let us not forget that war is a wasteful and destructive horror that breaks bodies, minds, hearts and lives into pieces. War is a consequence of the utter failure of human beings to resolve their differences and reconcile themselves to each other through love, forgiveness and compassion.
From half a world away, it’s hard to think of any influence we might exert to stop the distant war in the Ukraine, a conflict that threatens to embroil superpowers and international coalitions and seriously disturb global peace and national economies.
Yet there is something important we can all do – we can pray (Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6). For atheists and humanists, prayer may consist in an appeal to the better nature of our fellow human beings, and only good can come of that. But Christians understand that the human choices directed by our “better nature” are choices that come from our inborn understanding of love, peace and compassion, which comes from our creation in God’s image.
Christians also believe that God – the source of love, mercy and justice – also has the power to influence circumstances and events that are beyond our individual and collective control. While “some put their trust in chariots and the things of war… we will trust in the Name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7) because “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer” (1 Peter 3:12)
We can pray:
For the people of Ukraine (Isaiah 26:3; Matt. 5:44; John 16:33; Romans 12;12)
For the people of Russia, especially those who oppose the war (Matt. 5:9; Luke 18:7-8)
For the presidents of Ukraine and Russia, and other world leaders (Prov. 21:1; Isaiah 2;4; 1 Tim. 2:1-3)
For the soldiers in the armies of both nations (Psalm 23:4; Psalm 91:1-2; Matt. 10:28)
For Christian workers in both countries (2 Chron. 7:14; 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Thess. 3:1-2)
For an end to this violence, war and death, through peace and reconciliation.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14).
Amen.
If you feel called to donate towards practical help, several Christian aid organisations are providing emergency humanitarian relief to displaced families and children in the Ukraine. Their websites are listed below:
World Vision (Children)
World Vision (Refugees)
Emergency Action (including Baptist Care)
A gold coin collection is being held at school, receiving donation son behalf of World Vision.