As I write these words, a very shaky ceasefire is seemingly holding in Ukraine between pro-Russian separatists and the government forces. In the last twenty years the good news of the Kingdom of God has spread in that country and there are many disciples there, both in the more stable west and the conflicted east.
You are probably receiving this on Monday, September 8, which many churches have designated a world day of prayer for this troubled country. Today let us all consider ourselves Ukrainians, and let us all care about the church there, the people there and let us pray the violence will come to an end.
Let us pray that the message of the Prince of Peace will reign in more hearts. Let us give honor to him who said, “Blessed are the Peacemakers.” Let us pray more will embrace Jesus and the radical message of “love your enemies.”
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Today let us unite with disciples of Jesus in Donetsk, Dnepropetrovsk, Kharkov, Kiev, Lvov, Odessa, Sumy, and Vinnitsa and pray that minds and hearts will be changed.
Amen Tom. I have been praying for the church in Kiev but I also need to pray for the other churches we have and also in Russia. Thank God that we can be united in Christ Jesus even though the world divides. Thank you for the reminder to keep praying.
ReplyDeleteWill continue to pray, especially today. It's wonderful to have the names of the cities where our brothers and sisters reside. But also of course I am praying for the entire country and also for the leaders of Russia to lay down their fears and ambitions--mostly to lay down their armements-- and live and let live in peace. May God open doors and hearts in that region and around the world.
ReplyDeleteLet us also pray that Obama would stop standing idly by, that he would instead live up to his promise to the Ukranian people to protect them. Let us pray that the death toll does not increase past the current 2593 victims.
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