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
Prayer up that Putin realizes he is wrong and withdraws his troops. And that he finds Christ.
Excellent and true post. No one is clean in this entire situation. The fact that the Bidens were involved with folks in the Ukraine tells us how dirty they are. It is all coming here.
1. “Russia” didn’t start the war in Ukraine.
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
***I think I figured out what to pray for, with this Russian dude. I pray that Russians pull their heads out of their rectums. Plenty of common ground there.
Peace is always best !!! May there be peace Lord. Amen
Of course I will pray for Ru$$ia as well as Ukraine and all of Europe, Asia, and etc. Wars happen even when most reasonable, upstanding people don’t want them to and try to prevent war to their last breath. And it’s reasonable to pray even for your enemy, that he’ll see the light and stop messing with you.
Let me mention here that there are a lot of Christians in China and elsewhere in Asia, too. These are almost all being horribly persecuted.
Homogeneity of purpose makes prayer more effective. Think of all those other Xtians all over the world, exhort them to prayer, and pray that we will all be delivered from atheistic Communism.
Consider that Vlad is pimping Ru$$ia as the new home of the Catholic church. Does anyone ever wonder why that is? (Someone posted a piece the other day about Stalin promoting Catholicism and why did he do it? It was a good piece.)
Christians are not the majority in numbers but do hold an exalted place insofar as effectiveness is concerned. Always remember that! If Christians pray as one, they can be greatly outnumbered and still win. We’ve seen this demonstrated many times in history. And, you know, Xtians don’t like to fight, but if they have to....
I don’t know anyone who blames the Russian people. All of us know the difference between the people and the government. We also know they will suffer so certainly we will pray for them.
Russia is just a tad further along on the Tyranny scale than we are, at the moment.
Bible verse:
Revelation 13:4 "Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?"
A quote from Albert Einstein (a J3w), when a colleague criticized him for not being more involved with/approving of WWI:
“I prefer to string along with my compatriot Jesus Christ, whose doctrines you and your kind consider to be obsolete. Suffering is indeed more acceptable to me than resort to violence.”
Einstein, though not a Xtian, was very inspired by the stories of Jesus. Everyone is!
If you think it over and know some of the facts, WWI was one of the stupidest conflicts that ever was and yet it lasted for a long time and Europe was devastated. Millions and millions of innocent people died.
Good people were caught unaware by this conflict and a lot of good, brave, righteous people who wanted to do the right thing were killed off, leaving fewer “good guys” to shepherd and be examples for the next generation.
How much further will the number of good people be reduced if this thing goes on? Your prayers may be all you can do to halt this thing before it gets worse, but the good news is your prayers can accomplish a lot.
Amen, PTL!
Right, and "Germany" didn't invade Poland in 1939. We understand that some Russians don't support the war, but yes, "Russia" started the war in Ukraine. We should pray that the Russian people go to the streets and rise up against the Putin Regime
I pray for all ordinary people whose loves are being harmed by the actions of tyrants. We have plenty of both categories here in the USA as well as in Russia and Ukraine.
Prayer request ping.
I’ve been thinking the same things and how important it is to forgive our enemies, to forgive trespasses against us and to bless those who know not what they do.
His request gives me more focus and helps me find my perspective.
For me, this has been an especially difficult challenge, but a deal’s a deal: “Forgive me as I forgive.” And I say this to Him every day, too, so I have to do it.
Therefore, it’s especially important for me to remember these now during these current trials and tests of faith, patience, love, hope, charity and courage.
I know He will get us through it and I know our reward will be greater than our losses if we keep our faith and trust in Him no matter what comes.
I know it’s true and if we look for His Hand in all things and we’ll “see” Him. We’re on His time, not ours. He’s got this.
All I have to do is “Love God and love people”, just like in the Danny Gokey song.
We're living in a world that keeps breakin'
“But if we want to find a way to change it
It all comes down to this
Love God and love people.”
Simple, right?
I will definitely pray.
FATHER GOD,
Thank You that You hear our prayers and answer our prayers. May HOLY SPIRIT give us unction in how to pray.
Thank You for Holy Spirit Who helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. - Romans 8:26
Your Will be done in Ukraine and Russia. May there be a peaceful resolution to this war that is pleasing to You.
In JESUS’ Name we pray. AMEN.
Thanks Pilgrim's Progress
Putin, not the Russian people or soldiers, is the villain here. Their blood is on his hands too. Pray this horror is over, Putin is popped off and better days for Russia and Ukraine are ahead.