How do Ukrainian Christians now want us to pray?

“How can we pray for Ukraine?” is a question I am often asked, as someone with extensive personal and ministry connections there.

There are numerous suggestions I have made by way of an answer, some more specific to areas of personal involvement, broader ministry interests, or recent events, while other answers may be more general. Recent Russian attacks on civilians in Kryvyi Rih and Sumy, as well as much talk about ceasefires, truces, and peace without any real changes, have perhaps reminded people that their prayers are still very much needed.

So, how can you pray? Let’s hear from Ukrainians themselves.

The following points have been prepared by friends and ministry partners in Ukraine to inform our prayers for them as they continue to suffer invasion and the accumulated sufferings of war. They have recently been translated and circulated in English by Grace Baptist Partnership, as part of a recent call to prayer for Ukraine (which culminated in a Good Friday Zoom prayer gathering), and are reproduced here with permission.

Pray for...

1. Peace and security
   Pray for peace in Ukraine, that the Lord may bring a ceasefire and stop the conflict. Pray for protection for all citizens, especially those living in combat zones.
   
2. Wisdom for leadership
   Pray for the president, government, and all decision-makers, that they may act with wisdom, justice, and love for the people. Pray that those in power would seek God and His guidance.
   
3. Spiritual awakening
   Pray for spiritual awakening in Ukraine, that people would turn to God and find hope and meaning in life through him. Pray that the Church in Ukraine may be salt and light for society.
   
4. Unity and love
   Pray for unity among Ukrainians, that they may support each other in this difficult time and that love and understanding will overcome division and hatred.
   
5. Help in our suffering
   Pray for those who have been affected by the war, for those who lost their loved ones or their homes, that God may give them strength, hope, and support. Pray that the international community and the Church would actively help those in need.
   
6. Restoration of Ukraine
   Pray for the post war restoration of Ukraine, that the Lord may bless the land, economy, and infrastructure. Pray that Ukraine may become an example of God’s grace and victory.
   
7. Protection for the military
   Pray for the defenders of Ukraine, that the Lord may protect them, giving them strength, courage, and wisdom. Pray that their families may feel God's presence and the Church's support.
   
8. Youth and the future
   Pray for the youth of Ukraine, that they may find their calling in God and build a bright future, and that they will be faithful to God.
   
9. International support
   Pray that world leaders will support Ukraine and act in the interest of peace, and that the international community would not leave Ukraine in its time of need.
   
10. God’s presence
    Thank God for His presence and for what He is doing in Ukraine and among the Church here, for He does not abandon His people. Pray that every Ukrainian may feel God's love and protection.
    
11. Christians in Russia
    Pray for Russian Christians who for many years have suffered restrictions on church life under an oppressive regime and now suffer the consequences of that regime's territorial ambitions. Pray for the conviction of those who have been complicit, the courage of those who have been silent, and that those who have bravely spoken the truth will be kept in the grace and love of Christ.