by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - A call has been issued for evangelicals around the world to join in prayer on August 24 to pray for an end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Christian Today (CT) reports. Organized by the World Evangelical Alliance and by the European Evangelical Alliance, the day of prayer was chosen to coincide with Independence Day in Ukraine.
Believers are asked to set aside August 24 to ask God for the suffering, destruction, and death to end and for healing to begin, CT reports.
"On this day of independence, we want to declare our dependence on God, the One who can bring true peace to the hearts of each individual person, each family and even entire peoples," European Evangelical Alliance (EEA) General Secretary Thomas Bucher.
"Throughout history, God has changed hopeless and dire situations in surprising ways, and He can do it once again," Bucher attested.”
Prayer is also requested for Ukrainian grain to be exported freely to reach vulnerable people facing famine as a result of the impact of the war on food supplies, CT said. "The effects at the global level continue to be felt as millions of the world's poorest people are threatened with starvation," Bucher said. "Let us pray that the grain can make its way to the places where it is needed most, so that the most vulnerable are not suffering further consequences of a war that may be half a world away."
Moreover, believers are especially asked to pray for peace that does not come about through weapons but through Jesus Christ.
"While the world may continue to look for weapons to bring about peace and justice by force, we know that true and lasting peace can only be accomplished through unceasing prayers. As we look to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, let us pray for hearts to be changed and for the weapons to be silenced," Bucher said. "And let us also pray for healing and for reconciliation, and that Russia and Ukraine could live in peace as independent, sovereign nations."