Pray for Peace in Ukraine and the World's Leaders

Today marks the start of the fourth year of conflict after Russia invaded Ukraine.  Pray for both Ukraine and Russia!  We have been at the frontline villages on two trips to Ukraine, with bombs bursting around us as we distributed food and medicines.

• Pray for Peace
• Pray for the worlds' leaders as they deal with a new US executive branch stance and dictates to take action

"1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior…" -1 Timothy 2:1-3

Pray for peace! Trump has issued several time constrained dictates for the war to stop. I don't agree with all of the conditions, nor the manner which they are proceeding, nor that only one side is entirely responsible for the invasion. I do not agree, but at this time I cannot change what has been said. I can though prayer for peace, pray for our leaders.

Pray for the World's Leaders, as they deal with a new US executive branch stance and dictates to take action. As the United Nations deliberates and votes on resolutions. These next several weeks will be critical in determining the next phase of the Ukraine/Russia conflict and how it affects the entire world.  

Personal Experiences and Insights

Karla and I have made two trips to Ukraine. When we first went in June 2022, Russia outgunned Ukraine tenfold, launching over 50,000 artillery shells every day compared to Ukraine's 5,000. Almost all the front-line villages we have visited with humanitarian aid supplies, lights and medicines have been "freed" by  Russia. This invariably translates into complete destruction of all buildings in these cities, with almost certain death of anyone still there.  [Note: In contrast to Russia's freedom by obliterating everything and everyone, I know and am thankful for a God who died for us, so that we can be freed from the penalty of sin.  How man's methods for freedom and God's method differ markedly!]

I do not believe that Ukraine is the sole cause for the invasion. Yes, corruption was present in Ukraine before the invasion. This is one reason they were not being considered for membership in the European Union. And since the invasion, diversion of aid by many actors is occurring. This is one reason our eleven totes got stuck in customs for 2 days on our second trip in February 2023. However, wars and invasions should be the last resort of any country (Sun Tzu, the Art of War) and if Russia was involved with deep extensive diplomacy to avert an invasion, I am not aware of this.

Karla witnessed intense pride in 2023 at the first casualty collection point of Chasov Yar, when Bakhmut was the meat grinder of Ukraine with over 2,000 men from both sides dying daily. Soldiers were coming in dead or dying, and the Ukrainian medical team would not let Karla assist them in efforts to save lives, nor receive guidance on how to use the equipment within the aid facility that could have helped many. This aid point was not safe, with a building across the street being blown up when Karla was inside the aid station. It is not easy being willing to die helping someone, and the UA medical team not being willing to receive help hurt deeply and revealed a level of pride and a willingness to let people die unnecessarily.

Despite the corruption and pride, we met many precious Ukrainians on our two trips. Daily prayer meetings in cities throughout Ukraine. Doctors and police first responders trying to do their best to save lives of the injured. Ukrainians opening their homes and their churches to refugees and the displaced.

Also, as uncomfortable as some of President Trump's words and actions are, interestingly, Machiavelli in "The Prince" would state that "wars begin when you will, but they do not end when you please." While I do not agree again with all of President Trump's words and actions, it has put a spotlight on a struggle that is continuing, with no end in sight at this point if Russian and Ukraine both were left to themselves. Perhaps an end will come!?

A Proverbs Guide for praying for leaders, any leaders  

Pray for leaders who will fear God, seek truth and justice, and show mercy to the helpless.

• Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and it is by wisdom that rulers reign and rulers decree justice, and all will judge rightly (see Proverbs 8: 15-16).
• Pray that the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and America would despise all evil with their eyes. (see Proverbs 20:8)
• Pray that all wicked advisors would be taken away from before the governing authorities, and that their governance would be established, based on God's Righteousness (see Proverbs 25: 8)
• Pray that all leaders would strive to know and judge with truth, establishing a rule that endures (see Proverbs 29: 14)
• Pray that the leaders would despise all evil, winnowing the wicked from their midst, dragging a threshing wheel over the wicked if necessary (see Proverbs 20: 26) never paying attention to falsehood so that their ministers and counselors would not become wicked (see Proverbs 29: 12).

With much love and prayers,

Eric

Disclaimer: these views represent those of the author, Eric Morgan, and are not meant to convey the official position of Sojourners United.