A Second Prayer for Ukraine A Month after Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

It has been a month since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.  Since the invasion of Ukraine by one of the countries on the U.N. Security Council, massacres have repeatedly occurred, and the death toll for both armies has continued to grow immeasurably.  According to OHCHR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights), as of March 21st, 925 Ukrainian civilians have been killed during the war, although the actual number of civilian casualties is likely much higher, and 3,550,000 people have become international refugees.  The assault on the capital Kiev continues, and the siege of Mariupol has entered a severe state of affairs.  Through the suppression of the Zhaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, attacks on refugee centers and use of hypersonic air-to-surface ballistic missiles, the intensity of the war hasn’t slowed at all.  While Ukraine prepares to fight to the bitter end, and Russia has issued warnings to NATO regarding the use of bio-chemical and nuclear weapons, critical conditions persist that could spiral into a 3rd world war.

Throughout this month, prayers for peace and support for the victims of this war, as well as efforts and cooperation in peace efforts continue to spread around the globe.  Let us continue to remember “Stand in the Gap: Christ’s peace in the broken places” as we continue to pray for peace.

 

“Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve!” Psalm 94:2

 

Lord God, we pray that the invasion by the Russian military would end as quickly as possible, and that the military would be withdrawn from Ukraine as quickly as possible.

  • That public opinion in Russia would oppose the war, and that President Putin would give up his plans for invasion.
  • That the leaders of the U.N. and every country would work to end war and create peace.
  • That the churches in Russia and Ukraine would be protected, and that the members of the church would be used as peacemakers.
  • That the soldiers would come to loathe killing, especially civilians.
  • That the chains of hatred and revenge would not be increased between people by the wicked.
  • That war will not spread out across the world from this, and that the use of nuclear weapons would be avoided at all costs.
  • That people and countries would be used to provide humanitarian aid, and protect and aid the war victims, 3,550,000 refugees and displaced persons.
  • That the infrastructure and sustenance necessary for life would be protected and provided to the residents of besieged Mariupol.
  • That Japan, founded on a constitution of peace, would donate to these needs as befitting this foundation.

Yoichi Yamaguchi
President, Tokyo Christian University

March 24, 2022