As we watch war unfold in Ukraine, I know that our hearts go out to the people of that nation. In this article from Christianity Today, a Jewish rabbi urged the Church in Ukraine to pray Psalm 31, which begins, “In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge, never let me put to shame. Deliver me in your righteousness, turn your ear to save me.” (NIV) I think that would be a good Psalm for us to pray on their behalf as well.
I spent the summer of 1995 on a short-term missions trip in Kiev, living and learning alongside a team of American and Ukrainian college students, building friendships and sharing the gospel with our Ukrainian counterparts. There was not a very robust church in Ukraine at that time, but praise God there is now, and the Church is responding with great hope and love in this crisis.
Vasyl Ostryi, a pastor at Irpin Bible Church 18 miles northwest of Kyiv and a KTS professor of youth ministry, wrote this: “When this is over, the citizens of Kyiv will remember how Christians have responded in their time of need. We will shelter the weak, serve the suffering, and mend the broken. And as we do, we offer the unshakable hope of Christ and his gospel.”
As we pray for God’s work to continue and for peace to come to Ukraine, the 24-7 Prayer Network has put together this simple prayer guide and cry for mercy over Ukraine that you may find helpful. You may also want to pray these things over war-torn nations like Nicaragua, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan. May the Prince of Peace help His Church to pray, trust, and be faithful in all things.
-Pastor Marshall Benbow