REQUEST FROM A RUSSIAN CHRISTIAN Facebook | 2/28/2022 | pilgrimsprogress Posted on 2/28/2022, 10:44:43 AM by Pilgrim's Progress This is not original with me but relayed by a Christian minister from a Russian brother in Christ.
I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE PRAYING FOR UKRAINE. This is absolutely right. Praise the Lord!
The problem, however, is that ego always seeks an enemy, and for Christians designating “Russia” as the enemy is a mistake.
I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO PRAY FOR RUSSIA AS WELL. HERE'S WHY:
1. "Russia" didn't start the war in Ukraine. Russia is MUCH more than President Putin, political establishment, oligarchs, military... We do need to pray for every man, especially for "For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty..." 1 Tim 2:1-4. We need to pray for those who are making decisions in Russia that they humble themselves before the God of Heaven and accept Christ as their Savior. So they stop bloodshed and seek peace. Matthew 5:9
2. Jesus’ desire is for all men to be saved. This includes Russian soldiers, many of whom have been brainwashed to go and kill their brothers. Russian “compliance enforcement” machine is so brutal, that many are afraid of prison more than of dying. It is illegal in Russia to report on anything associated with Russian military, including physical abuse (hazing), official corruption, morale… Contradicting the official “story” carries a heavy sentence. That’s why 34 journalists were murdered in Russia since 2000 (compared to 2 in China and 3 in the US during the same period).
3. Russian economy is badly damaged by sanctions and there are a lot of innocent people that are affected by this, who have nothing to do with the military actions — pensioners, children, students, people with special needs, average families... They have to deal with increased inflation, debit cards being blocked, gas stations rationing fuel, banks putting limits on the amount of cash that customers could withdraw...
4. About 30% of people in Russia have relatives in Ukraine. Many Russians are against the war and are protesting and getting arrested. The penalties to them can be severe. Many are too scared to let their voice heard. Those that support the war, may be misled by blatant and persuasive propaganda that is 24/7 on Russian news channels. There are no independent (from the government control or censorship) news outlets in Russia. As a matter of fact, it is now illegal to use media (video, audio), that has not come from Russian official sources.
5. As believers, we are called to spread the Good News and point people to the Lord. Any news or circumstances that are taking attention (both of believers as well as those whom they witness to) from this are detrimental to the Gospel. Satan can use the current situation to grow fear, discontent, anger, false idea of enemies...
Please pray for Russia
Thank you for reposting this most important request! God years and answers prayer according to His will.
Amen
Amen.
Jonah comes to mind.
Also, in our own and the world’s best interests to pray for Russia. Fertilizer and Oil production worldwide.
Lord, they (those behind the propaganda and the cutting off of and downfall of Russia) are trying to take down one of the largest oil and wheat producing countries on earth. We pray for them both.
We ask the truth come out quickly.
In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Amen
Lifting the people of Russia and the people of Ukraine in prayer. Lord, we know that the people did not start a war. State departments start wars and the people suffer, just as we would suffer here, should the war come to our homeland.
Lord, as the world goes mad, we join together in prayer and ask that more people will come to know Jesus as their Savior. We ask that we may be of service, to share the Good News. We ask for the conviction and repentance of leaders who are taking us down these dark and destructive paths.
We ask in the name of Jesus. Amen