How to pray when there’s nothing else to do

Today has felt heavy all day. Russia invaded Ukraine yesterday, and since then, my Instagram and news sources have been flooded with videos, images, and articles depicting bombings, missiles, death, heartbreak, injuries, families being separated. One source even shared graphic images of dead Ukrainian soldiers after an attack. While I do not have any personal ties to Ukraine or eastern Europe at large, these are people – moms, dads, children, grandparents – being hurt. Their lives are being pulled out from under their feet aggressively and traumatically. In light of that, I wanted to offer a list of prayer suggestions and prompts to help me, and maybe you, pray for those who are hurting so terribly right now.

Pray for protection

Many are fleeing their homes right now, some having to leave their husbands and fathers behind. Pray for the families, women, and children fleeing to safety right now. Ask God to go in front and behind them. Ask for a hedge of protection to be around the vehicles they’re driving. Pray against air or ground strikes while they are fleeing. 

Ask for provision

Pray that the families, women, and children leaving Ukraine find safe havens and shelter. Ask God to open doors and provide connections, whether that be from other countries’ governments, extended family, friends of friends, etc. Pray that God will provide them food and water as they journey. 

Pray for peace

Men are saying goodbye to their families to stay behind and fight. Women and children are being separated from their support systems. Pray, in the powerful name of Jesus, that these people will feel the indescribable peace of Jesus in the midst of heartbreak and despair. Ask God to allow them to rest and sleep despite the incredible changes that are taking place. Pray for people to surround them that will provide support and comfort. 

Have open hands 

In the midst of a time when there is little we can do to help, come before God with open hands. Ask Him how you should be praying and interceding for the people living in and fleeing from Ukraine. Ask God to renew your belief in His goodness and His sovereignty. And act however he leads. 

Our world is one full of heartbreak, destruction, pain, and death. But God is a god of peace, love, goodness, and healing. This is a time when people are causing destruction in other people’s lives, and this was NEVER how it was meant to be. There will come a day when Jesus will come again and make everything right. And He will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Until then, keep seeking Him and praying your hardest for the people He puts on your heart.