As the conflict persists in Ukraine, families continue to be torn apart as some stay and fight and others are forced to flee for safety. As the church, we can choose to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering. This week, pray for peace to prevail and comfort for those who are suffering.
Sunday 4 June
Let’s recommit to pray for Ukraine: Lord Jesus, I pledge to pray for peace in Ukraine. I commit myself to being part of a church that stands in solidarity with people who are suffering. Hear my prayers for the people of Ukraine. Hear my plea for the conflict to end. Amen.
Monday 5 June
‘When I heard the bombs, I kept telling myself I must be strong,’ says Katerina, ‘because I have my baby Alisa in my arms.’ The trauma of living in a conflict zone is immense – anxiety, stress and depression are common as people’s lives hang in the balance. Pray for God’s protection for people in Ukraine and for relief from their suffering.
Tuesday 6 June
‘My father is disabled and can barely walk, so my mum stayed behind with him,’ says Katerina, who fled with the rest of her family. Reflect on the difficult choices that people in conflict have to make. Lift up those who are vulnerable and pray for the safety of those who have been forced to stay behind. Ask God to reunite families.
Wednesday 7 June
‘I don't know where we will go... when I will see my father and grandma... and my cat,’ says 12-year-old Masha. Our local partners helped Masha, her mother and brother relocate to Romania. Masha’s father and grandmother remained in Ukraine. It is hard for them to communicate because of power blackouts. Pray for a way for loved ones who have been separated to still communicate.
Thursday 8 June
Valentina is a 74-year-old widow and a full-time carer for her son, Yuri, who has a disability and cannot leave his bed. Our partner in Ukraine supplied firewood. Valentina can now cook and heat the house. When our partner delivered the wood, Valentina cried and thanked God for his care. Pray that help will reach vulnerable people.
Friday 9 June
Serghei’s family fled Ukraine on foot and were welcomed by our church partner in Moldova. ‘They even helped us buy clothes, because we ran in winter boots. But by May it became so hot that it was impossible to walk in these clothes. We didn’t have any money... so we are thankful for this support.’ Thank God for how churches are supporting refugees with essentials.
Saturday 10 June
‘Even though we now live in a small village, we are in peace, that's the most important thing,’ says Katerina, after our local church partner helped her family find refuge in Rivne, away from the fighting. Cry out to God for an end to the conflict and for people to feel God’s peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Our How to Pray for Ukraine guide contains further resources on this week’s theme, if you would like to pray further. Thank you for your prayers.
