For the first time ever, on 18 June, all the churches of Ukraine came together for a National Day of Prayer for their war-torn nation and for peace.
The event, called by British evangelist David Hathaway, was attended by thousands and took place at the National Sports Palace in Kiev. Church representatives included Protestant, Catholic, Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox.
They sang hymns to the Lord Jesus Christ and prayed, asking God to unite their nation where corrupt leaders have failed. Each prayed in their own tradition, before uniting behind their Bible Society leader, praying for a miracle to rebuild Ukraine upon the Bible, which they all have in common.
Past history
The prayer conference concluded with prayers for Russia and Mr Putin. Thousands of Ukrainians praying for Russia and President Putin is extraordinary! The Ukraine problem is that their history, culture and language are closer to Russia than any other on earth. For Russia, their foundation and precious Orthodox Church come from the ‘Rus’, in what is now Ukraine. Their leaders and ancestors are buried there. For Russia, Ukraine is in the blood. For Ukraine, Russia is in the blood. Even Mr Putin’s first name, Vladimir, comes from the Ukraine, 1,000 years ago
It is hoped that the prayer meeting will prove a turning point. The two presidents will be mindful of this. The EU tries social engineering and expansion, but it can’t afford to pay in Ukraine, so the currency keeps falling. The driving force is economic. War brings poverty. Both need reconciliation and the restoration of their mutual economies, especially as Russia argues with Turkey. For Ukraine and Russia, forgiveness and reconciliation will be a miracle. It may be that only God and prayers will deliver that.
