I remember the night when my Mum was watching the old medical TV show ER and it was interrupted to report that there was a large fire burning in one of the World Trade Centre buildings. For the next few hours we watch the events unfold as we tried to make sense of what was going on around the world on September 11, 2001.
This was the first time I remember the news on the TV being really serious.
Tragically it seems that the news has become really serious this week as COVID takes hold in our country and as reports come in of the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. There is much to be concerned about at the moment and as followers of Jesus we can turn that worry into prayer.
Please be upholdind our local and global community in prayer.
Sometime the hardest thing about prayer is knowing what to actually pray. I find using prayer points or even pre-written prayers helpful when I can't find the words.
In 1 Timothy 2:1–2, Paul says, “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.” Here are some prayers and prayer points to guide you at this time:
"Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen." (BCP)
"Most gracious God, ruler of the nations, we pray for the government at this time. Direct and proper all its work to the advancement of your glory, and the safety and welfare of this country; so that peace and happiness, truth and justice, may be established among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." (AAPB)
Pray that Putin will relent of his dictatorial desire to control Ukraine and that both the Ukrainian and Russian people will be able to live in peace.
Pray also for our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Ukraine and are anxious about the “rumors of wars” (Matt. 24:6). (Read a perspective from a missionary currently working in Ukraine.)
Pray that God will use this crisis to bring about good from what was meant for evil (Gen. 50:20)
Pray for medical professionals and essential workers that they will be kept safe at this time and that they will be able to work effectively.
Pray for the vulnerable that they will be kept safe.
Pray for the sick that they might be healed and find real and lasting healing in God alone.
Grace & peace,
Andrew