Light In the Darkness
Father, war is darkness. Death of the enemy is the grim purpose of war, but light can shine all the brighter in that darkness. I pray for believers everywhere, Russian, Ukrainian, and beyond, to shine with your light. May they resist evil, care for the needy, bind the wounds of the hurt, and feed the hungry. In this darkest of nights, people yearn for the light. May your people, walking in the power of the Spirit, be the brightest of light to those who need them.
Soldiers
Ukrainian Soldiers: Lord strengthen their hands for war. Grant them the courage to protect the weak, resist evil, and save the innocent. Do not allow them to be lost to vengeance but motivate them to protect and preserve what is under attack. May they have the courage, skill, and strength to resist and save their country without blood lust and hate seizing their hearts. When it is the proper time, may they show mercy and bring peace.
Russian Soldiers: Lord, may you grant them the courage to refuse evil and do what is right. May they turn from aggression and look to protect the Russian people from those who truly abuse them. Grant them a heart of mercy in their action and open their eyes to evil.
Russian Soldiers: Lord, may you grant them the courage to refuse evil and do what is right. May they turn from aggression and look to protect the Russian people from those who truly abuse them. Grant them a heart of mercy in their action and open their eyes to evil.
The People
Ukrainians: Lord, please grant the Ukrainian people peace, safety in trouble, courage in the face of evil, and the strength to help one another, care for one another, and, most of all, grant the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Russians: I pray for the brave, heroic Russians who stand on the streets and call evil, "evil," and demand an end to the war. May the hearts of their fellow Russians be open to this, and may they all demand as one for this aggression to stop. May the Russian people have the ability to create a more law-abiding, peace-loving regime that seeks justice and mercy instead of theft, murder, and conquest.
Russians: I pray for the brave, heroic Russians who stand on the streets and call evil, "evil," and demand an end to the war. May the hearts of their fellow Russians be open to this, and may they all demand as one for this aggression to stop. May the Russian people have the ability to create a more law-abiding, peace-loving regime that seeks justice and mercy instead of theft, murder, and conquest.
Leaders
Ukraine and her allies: Father, I pray for the leaders that fight for Ukraine or support that fight to grow in wisdom, to respect you, and to honor your Son. I pray that you grant them the courage to do what is right, limit the killing, and the courage to make peace, that is. The decisions and risks that these leaders must make and take are awful. Please give them the courage and wisdom to make the right ones and always to resist evil.
Russia: I pray for the leaders in Russia who know this aggression is evil to have the courage to fight for peace and end their regime's evil. I pray for Putin and his regime for repentance and a complete change of heart. May they leave their evil ways and honor Jesus as their Savior and turn from their war of aggression. If they refuse to repent, if their hearts are stone, then please, Father, limit their evil in your mercy, bring your judgment on them swiftly as surely as you did to Nabal when he insulted David and risked the lives of the innocent.
Father, make known to me how I should help. Let me be the light in this darkness, do not let me be distracted from this great evil before us. Help me to pray, raise my voice for peace, give aid where I may help strengthen the missionaries in place, or join them there. Help me be a light in the darkness, do what is right in the face of monstrous evil, heal the broken, feed the hungry, and protect the weak. Do not let me, through my inaction, inattention, or selfish desire, ignore the needs of my brothers and sisters in Russia and Ukraine. Help me strengthen them.
Amen.
Russia: I pray for the leaders in Russia who know this aggression is evil to have the courage to fight for peace and end their regime's evil. I pray for Putin and his regime for repentance and a complete change of heart. May they leave their evil ways and honor Jesus as their Savior and turn from their war of aggression. If they refuse to repent, if their hearts are stone, then please, Father, limit their evil in your mercy, bring your judgment on them swiftly as surely as you did to Nabal when he insulted David and risked the lives of the innocent.
Father, make known to me how I should help. Let me be the light in this darkness, do not let me be distracted from this great evil before us. Help me to pray, raise my voice for peace, give aid where I may help strengthen the missionaries in place, or join them there. Help me be a light in the darkness, do what is right in the face of monstrous evil, heal the broken, feed the hungry, and protect the weak. Do not let me, through my inaction, inattention, or selfish desire, ignore the needs of my brothers and sisters in Russia and Ukraine. Help me strengthen them.
Amen.
Author
Brian W
Brian served 14 years in the Republic of Georgia, where he started a youth ministry, discipled new leaders, and planted over 15 new churches before serving in leadership of another missions organization. Brian is married to Maia and they have two children.
Brian served 14 years in the Republic of Georgia, where he started a youth ministry, discipled new leaders, and planted over 15 new churches before serving in leadership of another missions organization. Brian is married to Maia and they have two children.