With the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and the many and varied responses of our country and others across the world it’s a worthwhile time to refresh ourselves on the best ways to pray for situations like these. When anxiety or compassion rises in our hearts for events on the world-stage, that is a true and real prompt from the Holy Spirit to pray, but what’s the best way to do so?
Begin with Scripture
- Consider any of the following: Romans 13:1-7, Psalm 2, Job chapter 12, Matthew 24:1-14
- Avoid bad theology in your prayer:
- As far as this pastor understands, no nation of this existing world is completely Godly, 100% flawless, or outspokenly favored by the Lord (in a similar fashion to Ancient Israel in the Old Testament, and even they were far from flawless).
- There is a special calling and obligation placed on the leaders of the nations and governments of this world, but that does not necessarily mean that every action of every leader on the world stage is God-ordained, or God-approved.
- Even Christ explained to us that nations are going to be in conflict with one another, this is a sad reality of the world we live in. It is also an opportunity for both individual Christians and the Church to respond with the compassionate love of God.
- No nation is so powerful that it can challenge, derail, or circumvent the work of God here on earth (Consider Egypt during the Exodus).
- Political concerns and advocacy may be a part of ministry for many Christians (perhaps even an important part), but only in service to our primary mission: to share the Good News and make disciples. We are children of God and disciples of Christ first, national citizens after that.
Start your Prayer with Silence
Beginning with silence allows us to be humble and acknowledge the sovereignty of God. The Lord is the one with the best perspective on the situation we are praying for. As Christians we can also trust that the Holy Spirit prays with us (Rom 8:26-27).
When you do end your time of silence, do so in confidence, knowing that great Bible authors like Paul (Phil 4:2-7) and Peter (1 Peter 5:6-11) encourage us to pray about our worries and anxieties. They are applying the teachings of Christ on worry (Luke 12:22-34). So, if events on the national stage have you worried or moved with compassion then the Biblical teaching is Pray about it! So pray confidently.
Bring your Concerns before the Lord
- Pray for the people affected by war and strife, that God would bring them aid and refuge.
- Pray for the leaders to be given wisdom, and a compelling call from the Holy Spirit to lead in a way that honors God and exercises right governance, care and compassion for their people. Pray that when they face an opportunity to make a good and Godly choice, that the Lord will give them strength and courage to do so.
- Pray for both Justice and Peace. You cannot read Biblical books like Ezekiel or Revelation without noticing that God is paying attention to the world stage. Pray for justice for the poor, oppressed, and afflicted. Pray for God to bless those leaders, people and countries that work to avoid sin, and walk in the way that leads to life. It is also right and good to pray for peace where peace is possible.
Pray for the spread of the Gospel, and for the church in those places.
While the Bible does encourage us to bring all of our cares and concerns to the Lord, scripture is unashamedly biased towards praying for the work of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. I can almost guarantee that whatever region or area you are praying for, there are faithful Christians there. We should pray that God will give them strength to face the pressures and sufferings in this time. In the midst of war and strife the church is still active in ministry, in compassion, in support, and even still in sharing the good news. Our prayers for these war-torn brothers and sisters in the faith are vital and important. Pray for the church, that God would protect them, and bless their call to demonstrate Christian love in such a challenging time.
Return to a time of silence
Once again, we stop to remember that God has the best perspective on this issue. We trust in the Lord to hear our prayer, and to be able to bring goodness out of all things. As in all big prayer requests, consider whether or not God is calling you to be active in this area in a way that goes beyond prayer. Sometimes this is not the case, and prayers like these are powerful ways to support our fellow Christians in hard times, and to pass our anxieties to the Lord in trust. Other times, there may be a calling within the prayer. Take some time of silence at the close your prayer and leave room for the Holy Spirit.
Express Trust in the Lord
Church tradition has tacked on a good closer to the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6. We say “…for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever… Amen” God is on the true throne of the universe, not a government, or dictator, or president, or cultural authority. All are significantly less in power when compared to the Lord. Trust God to hear your prayer, and move forward in peace, until you are moved to pray again.