“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3.This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4. who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”—1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NLT)

1 Timothy doesn’t tell us to pray for some people it tells us to pray for all people. God wants every single person saved, not just a select few. As Christians, we have the ability to touch anyone, anywhere through our prayers. No matter how far away the disaster or calamity is in our world, we can all pray. It is what unites us.

Despite how we may feel about our local, state, national and world leaders, we are called to be praying for them. I pray for them to be convicted of any of their policies that do not align with the values and biblical principles of the Bible. No matter who is in charge God is sovereign. He can be trusted. Our confidence is in Jesus not the government. He will never fail us. Man will. 

What is happening in Eastern Europe should have us on our knees now more than ever. Prayer is the one thing we can do to make a difference. We can be praying for world leaders and diplomats hearts  to be moved toward peace not war. Putin may be the last person you want to pray for and you might not be happy with government dealings, however, Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:44-45, “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.”(NLT)

We are subject to those in authority even if we don’t like or respect them. How we react reflects how we respond to God. We can’t pick and choose our obedience to be a part of God’s kingdom. Those that don’t know Jesus, watch what we say and do. Are we honoring God in our words and actions? Regardless of our differences, we are to love God and love and pray for others…including, those who we may view as evil. Like me, you may feel helpless as you get snippets of what is happening, but I know God is sovereign and none of what is happening is a surprise to Him.

As of this writing 365,000 Ukrainians have fled their country, some with only the clothes on their back. Can you imagine having to abandon your home only being able to pack up minimal belongings? Mothers with their children are having to leave their spouses behind with hopes of reuniting later. Last week university students were going to class and hanging out with their friends. Today they are learning how to make Molotov cocktails to help protect their homeland.

After doing a little bit or research I found out that Ukraine, is one of the main missionary training areas for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. According to Wikipedia, a 2018 survey revealed 71% of the population considered themselves, believers. This means we have many brothers and sisters in Christ that we know are suffering right now. If you aren’t already, let us all join together for the one thing we can all do together... PRAY.

Father God, 

Forgive me, when I let my dislike for someone keep me from lifting them up in prayer as Your Word commands me to do. I ask that in the face of fear, provide Ukrainians believers with opportunities to share the Gospel and the perfect peace of Jesus to a world filled with chaos. Help them to cling to Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Thank You for Your promise that You will never leave or forsake those that love You. Cover them with Your grace, mercy and protection. Despite how scary things may look, I know You are sovereign and nothing happening in our world is a surprise to You. It is in the mighty name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.

 February Verse

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”—Matthew 5:16

If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.