Psalm 27-28: A Prayer For the People of Ukraine and Russia Caught in the Middle of Conflict
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine. We aren’t experts in geo-politics, but we do know that with war comes violence, fear, uncertainty, and casualties for the people caught in the middle. Believers around the world are joining together in prayer for this region. Prayer is an effective ministry. When we pray to God we are praying to a living savior, a sovereign king, a compassionate Lord. So we offer this prayer through Psalm 27 and 28 for the people in Ukraine, especially Christ’s local church who will need to be the hands of feet of Jesus in the coming days.
Psalm 27 - Of David.
[1] The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? [2] When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. [3] Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
Father God,you are sovereign over your creation. You have established the Kingdom of your beloved Son and he reigns over all. Nothing is out of your control. We pray now for the people in the Ukrainian region. Lord, you alone are their light and salvation. Spirit, build up your church in the area with confident faith in you. Help them to remove fear from their hearts and to reach those who are fearful with the light and salvation of Jesus. With the armies of war encamped around them, may they rely on you as their stronghold.
[4] One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. [5] For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. [6] And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me,and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
Jesus, you are a shelter for anyone who would seek you. Your salvation is a secure dwelling for eternity. Lift up and encourage the people of Ukraine; use your church to do it. Cover the people from harm. Draw them to you in the coming circumstances. When suffering comes, give your church joy. May the Ukrainian people fix their gaze on your beauty when the ugliness of war surrounds them.
[7] Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! [8] You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” [9] Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! [10] For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
Take in the people of Ukraine, o Lord. You will not hide your face from those who seek it in Jesus name. When the systems And governments of the country forsake the people, you O Lord do not abandon them. Be with these people in their time of need. Hear their cries for help. You are the God of their salvation. May they run to you.
[11] Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. [12] Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. [13] I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! [14] Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
God, may you give strength, courage, and patience to the people of Ukraine. May you lead them wisely through the coming days. May they see your goodness in the land of the living when the wickedness of the land of the dead engulfs them. If war rages on, we will wait on you, o Lord, for you are not absent. Your perfect will be done.
Psalm 28 - Of David.
[1] To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit. [2] Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary.
God give mercy to the people of Ukraine and Russia who are caught in the middle of this conflict. Give mercy to your church. Hear their cries. You are their rock.
[3] Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts. [4] Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. [5] Because they do not regard the works of the LORD or the work of his hands,he will tear them down and build them up no more.
God, protect your people in Ukraine from the workers of evil. Lord, give justice to these people. Tear down the work of evildoers.
[6] Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. [7] The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Jesus, may the Ukrainian and Russian people praise your name and trust in you. You are their help. Be their strength. Be their shield. Blessed be your name.
[8] The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. [9] Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever
Jesus, be the strength for the Ukrainian church. May the people find refuge in you. Save your people. You will carry them forever. No war or ruler will pluck them from your hand. May the people be shepherded by you during this conflict. Strengthen your Ukrainian church to reach people in need. Build up your kingdom and show your glory and put to utter shame the kingdoms of men and their glory-hungry hearts.
To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. In Jesus name, Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)
