Robin J Johnson

We pray for nations because it is God’s will for people everywhere to know Jesus Christ. Prophecy is God declaring what history is going to record.

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands.  Revelation 7:9 

This is a wonderful picture, people from all over the earth praising and thanking God for His great salvation. Reading this whole portion in Revelation we see that all of heaven is inspired to join in the worship and adoration of our God.

“Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”  Revelation 7:12 

Speak to the Nations

There are terrible things happening in nations all across the world, none are exempt, it is just the degree of hurt and suffering that differs. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit is also moving all over the world and Jesus is building His church. In the midst of darkness the glorious knowledge of our God is spreading, yet there is still much more to be done. That is why we must pray for nations.

This Month’s Focus — Two War Zones — Myanmar & Ukraine

Signs of the times? True. Yet that must not stop us from praying, especially for the innocent multitude of people, young and old, caught up in the terrible tragedy of war. 

I keep asking myself, “What do we pray?” 

The apostle Paul tells us to pray for governments that we might live in peace so we can freely preach the Gospel (1 Timothy 2:2-4). Before he tells us to pray for governments he says:

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,  1 Timothy 2:1 

People should and must be always at the centre of our prayers. Jesus did not die for an institution He died to set people free.

We need to pray for the followers of Jesus Christ in both these nations that believers remain stedfast and strong in the Lord. Despite the difficulties they continue to hold on to their confident hope and faith and serve Christ; they witness for Jesus, telling friends about their own salvation, hold outreaches and even plant new churches. 

Let us pray for;
  • Peace 
  • Confusion in the camp of the enemy so they are hindered from further hostilities and withdraw
  • God to raise up peacemakers who, with wisdom and insight, are able to negotiate the end to these wars
  • Protection and safety for Aid workers
  • The Kingdom of God to come in power; signs, wonders and miracles, escapes, concealments and victories.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:12 

Myanmar

The civil war in Myanmar, instigated by the military who seized power (2021), continues. It seems though that the world’s main media has lost interest. Government forces continue their reign of terror. People are being displaced, are dying and live in fear and poverty.

 

 

Ukraine

The unjust war in Ukraine is ongoing as we are well aware. The illegal invasion by Russia has caused hardship and suffering beyond words. Both nations involved in this conflict continue to suffer from the cruelty of war, but obviously Ukraine much more so.

Photo: Maksym Pozniak-Haraburda