Ukraine Prayer # 467

Ira Kapitonova
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
listen to my plea for grace.
Psalm 86:6
Our school day started with an air raid just as the kids were arriving. They casually went into the basement, grumbling about the Russians ruining their morning. While playing with Lego, one boy asked me if the air raid was caused by ballistic missiles coming our way (which means immediate danger). When I checked and told him it was announced because a missile launcher took off in Russia, he was exasperated, saying, "Oh, it means we might have to stay here for hours!"
Does this sound like an ordinary conversation with an 8-year-old? Well, it is to us, and it's not unlikely to have a similar exchange with a 6-year-old. Our kids are much older than they should be.
 
However, I keep thanking God for the wonder of their hearts. During our prayer before lunch, one student earnestly prayed, "God, will you change the hearts of the Russian people? Show them how horrible it is what they do! Make them rebel against Putin and those who want to have this war. Show them that they can focus on making their lives better rather than destroying the lives of others. Help them want to love, not hate."
How is that for a prayer of a 9-year-old? I find comfort in knowing that God will not dismiss these honest prayers of heartbroken Ukrainian children.

Show me a sign of your favor,
that those who hate me may see
and be put to shame because you, Lord,
have helped me and comforted me.
Psalm 86:17
 
Pray for these school kids that have incredible pressure far beyond what they should have for their age. Pray that their prayers will be answered.

Al Akimoff and the Slavic Ministries Team

Today's picture –Ukrainian children at a football camp in the Lviv region sleep in the corridor due to frequent Russian air attacks. Photo by Dmytro Povoroznyuk.