Dear Christian, Don’t Forget to Pray for the Russian People As Well!

Over the past week, many voices have helped us pray for the Ukrainians. As Mr. Putin has invaded Ukraine seeking control, the collective prayers of the world have approached the throne of God on behalf of the Ukrainian people, especially those who follow Jesus Christ there. We have watched the news coverage, rejoiced in the collective will of the Ukrainian people, and asked God to frustrate the evil plans of Mr. Putin. On the other hand, fewer voices have considered the Russian people. Today’s post comes from an anonymous Russian voice. This person is a personal friend and cares deeply for his people. Dear Christian, don’t forget to pray for the Russian people as well!

I See A Lot of People Praying for Ukraine

I see a lot of people praying for Ukraine. This is absolutely right; we pray for them as well. Praise the Lord!

The problem, however, is that ego often seeks an enemy. As Christians, if we designate “Russia” as the enemy, we make a mistake. I would invite you to pray for Russia as well. Here’s why:

1. “Russia” didn’t start the war in Ukraine.

Russia is MUCH more than President Putin, a political establishment, oligarchs, or the military. We do need to pray for every man, especially for “kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty…” (1 Tim 2:1-4). We need to pray for those who are making decisions in Russia that they humble themselves before the God of Heaven and accept Christ as their Savior. Our prayer includes that they stop bloodshed and seek peace (Matthew 5:9).

2. Jesus’ desire is for all men to be saved.

This, of course, includes Russian soldiers, many of whom have been brainwashed to go and kill their brothers. The Russian “compliance enforcement” machine is so brutal. Many are afraid of prison more than of dying. It is illegal in Russia to report on anything associated with the Russian military, including physical abuse (hazing), official corruption, and morale. Contradicting the official “story” carries a heavy sentence. For this reason, thirty-four journalists were murdered in Russia since 2000 (compared to 2 in China and 3 in the US during the same period).

3. The Russian economy is badly damaged.

Sanctions badly damage the economy. There are a lot of innocent people affected by this, who have nothing to do with the military actions — pensioners, children, students, people with special needs, and average families. These people have to deal with skyrocketing inflation, blocked debit cards, gas stations rationing fuel, banks putting limits on the amount of cash that customers could withdraw, and other economic strain.

4. About 30% of people in Russia have relatives in Ukraine.

Many Russians are against the war, are protesting, and are getting arrested. The penalties to them can be severe. Many Russians are too scared to let their voice be heard. Those that do support the war may be misled by blatant and persuasive propaganda that streams 24/7 on Russian news channels. There are no independent (from the government control or censorship) news outlets in Russia. As a matter of fact, it is now illegal to use media (video, audio) that has not come from official Russian sources.

5. As believers, we are called to spread the Good News and point people to the Lord.

We have a simple command as followers of Jesus Christ to live and spread the Gospel. Any news or circumstances that take attention (both of us as fellow believers as well as those to whom we witness) from this are detrimental to the Gospel. Satan can use the current situation to grow fear, discontent, anger, and false ideas of enemies.

Fellow Christians, do not forget to pray for the Russian people as well.

For all these reasons, we ask that you would not forget to pray for our people as well. Those who love and serve the Lord underground here desperately need courage with their mission of sharing the Gospel. We, too, are heartbroken for the Ukrainian people, many of whom are family, and what our government continues to do there. Yet, we see this as an opportunity to reach Russians for Christ as well. We ask God to help this conflict open doors for even greater Gospel work.

Please pray for Russia.