On Thursday, Christian leaders from all backgrounds urged Christians to pray for Ukraine, describing Russia’s invasion as a perilous crisis with global implications.
Russia invaded Ukraine early Thursday morning, a sovereign republic on its southern border that declared independence in 1991, shortly after the former Soviet Union disintegrated.
Here’s a sampling of what Christian leaders have said about the social media attack:
Samaritan’s Purse, Franklin Graham, and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
“The news that Russia has initiated a military operation against Ukraine woke us up this morning. Pray for the people of Ukraine and for a fast resolution to the crisis. I’ve preached in both Kiev and Lviv, and both cities were packed with people eager to hear the Gospel. Samaritan’s Purse partners with over 3,000 churches in Ukraine, and we’re now distributing over 600,000 gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to children through those churches and ministry partners. We have many friends at Samaritan’s Purse not just in Ukraine, but also in Russia “Graham made a post on Facebook.
Eugene Cho, Bread for the World
“Lord, we pray for the people of Ukraine during this difficult time. Protect the innocent and vulnerable. Give wisdom to global leaders. Humble the proud. Lord, we long & pray for peace. #PrayForUkraine,” Cho wrote on Twitter.
Chris Hutchinson, senior pastor of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Blacksburg, Va.
“Germany did not have nukes in 1939,” Hutchinson wrote. “In terms of possible responses, this is very, very different. Never have our leaders needed more wisdom. Pray for them. Pray for Ukraine.”
Russell Moore, public theologian, Christianity Today
“Vladimir Putin is a murderer and a tyrant,” Moore said. “He is an abuser of evangelical Christians, other religious minorities, and even his own country’s orphans. And now he attacks a neighbor, a democracy, a friend of the USA. God save Ukraine.”
H.B. Charles Jr., pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla.
“Pray for Ukraine,” Charles wrote while linking to a prayer guide composed by the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board. Among the guide’s prayer requests: “Safe passages out of conflict zones for displaced populations” and “Ukrainian believers as they seek to be a light in the darkness.”
Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California
“Russia has attacked Ukraine,” Laurie tweeted. “Let’s all be in prayer for the people there. Pray also for our leadership that they make wise and prudent decisions in the next few critical hours.”
Beth Moore, Living Proof Ministries
“Do not imagine for a moment prayer doesn’t matter,” Moore said. “Pray for Ukraine. Pray for divine intervention. Miraculous protection. Pray for the presence of Jesus to permeate households & hiding places & be a shield & comfort to them. Pray a psalm – maybe 27 or 31 – as intercession. Let’s pray.”
