A response to a Nov. 16 online event called Praying Together: A Christian Response to the War in Ukraine.
Pastor David Annoh was one of the Slavic-speaking participants in an online prayer event recently organized by the Peace and Reconciliation Network, the Canadian Council of Churches, and The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. It is a great joy to learn how much this event impacted him, and how he was able to encourage believers in Ukraine. As we continue to pray for the peace of Jesus in our world, let us remember all those impacted by the many wars and conflicts (reported or not) which ravage our world. –Joel Zantingh, PRN Canadian coordinator
What an incredibly powerful and moving experience I had participating in our time of prayer together. In times of conflict and uncertainty, it is often said that prayer is our most potent weapon.
One of the things that struck me the most about this prayer event was the amazing diversity of denominational leaders who participated. There were representatives from various Christian traditions, including Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Pentecostal and many others. It was truly inspiring to see these leaders setting aside their theological differences and coming together to pray for a common cause.
The impact of this online prayer meeting was palpable. As we joined our hearts and voices together, I could sense a tangible shift in the atmosphere. It was as if the presence of God filled the virtual space we were in, as our prayers reached the heavens.
At one point during the meeting, we broke out into small groups of three people to share our hearts and pray for the people of Ukraine. In my group, all three of us had a direct tie to Ukraine. I was clustered with a Ukrainian Catholic woman whose grandparents migrated to Canada decades ago, Pastor Andriy Zolotaryov, who came to Canada just couple of weeks after the war erupted in 2022 and who has been a part of the steering group who organized this prayer event and two previous consultations, called Ukraine, Canada and the Church. I am an African-Ukrainian missionary who served from 1988 during the Soviet era and relocated to Canada when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.
I was pleasantly surprised how God brought the three of us into one virtual room to pray. I could not control my emotions! I even sent word to Pastor Vitaliy, a dear friend in Ukraine, and shared, "You are not alone; you are fervently and actively being prayed for. Even though we are now living in a peaceful country enjoying all the comfort one can imagine, we have not forgotten you. Our hearts ache for every Ukrainian and bleed on every report about the shelling and destruction of this war.” He spread the report.
When the news reached Ukrainian Christians that they were being prayed for, their reaction was overwhelming and deeply moving. To discover that Canadian Christians and some of their own displaced people were standing in solidarity with them through prayer, it brought uncontainable joy and encouragement. It fused their spirits with renewed hope and reassurance. They were filled with a renewed sense of hope and assurance that they were not forgotten. It reminded them that they were part of a global family, united in love and support. They felt strengthened to continue their fight, both physically and spiritually, especially as the media has shifted its focus towards the devastation in the Middle East.
This event left a profound impact on my heart and reminded me of the importance of regularly coming together to intercede for those in need. It was a powerful picture of the Body of Christ functioning harmoniously, understanding that our ultimate goal is to seek peace, healing, reconciliation and the restoration of lives in the midst of adversity.
This experience made me realize the significance of united prayer in influencing the outcome of events, especially during times of war. Prayer is a powerful weapon in the spiritual warfare that often accompanies conflicts like the one between Ukraine and Russia. When the Body of Christ comes together in agreement, there is a supernatural power at work.
Brothers and sisters, in light of this, it is crucial for us to gather frequently to pray. We cannot underestimate the spiritual aspect of this conflict. Only by consistently seeking God's intervention and guidance can we hope to see a resolution. We need to be intentional about standing together, lifting up our voices and declaring God's peace, reconciliation and justice over the situation. We are co-workers, partnering with God on the field actively shaping events and influence outcomes.
The online prayer event for Ukraine served as a profound reminder of the impact of united prayer. In coming together as a Christian family, we were able to tangibly support and encourage one another and those directly affected by the war. It reinforced the truth that prayer is not passive but an active means of spiritual warfare and divine intervention.
Let us not underestimate the power of united prayer. May this experience serve as a catalyst to spur us all on to be fervent prayer warriors in times of conflict and uncertainty.
I am immensely grateful to have been part of the event and want to say a big thank you to all the organizers. Looking forward to praying together again.
Prayer
I am reminded of 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land,” and I invite all readers to join me in this prayer:
Father, heal our land as we humbly pray and seek your face.
Please hear our voices from your heavenly sanctuary and heal our land from bloodshed. In Jesus’ name we ask. Amen!
David Annoh pastors at New Life Church, King City, Ont. Photo of Pastor David, Galina and their children is supplied. Image of hands and clouds from Freepik. Joel Zantingh is Canadian coordinator of the WEA Peace & Reconciliation Network. 
The PRN can do its work through the generosity of donors like you. Connect with the PRN or donate. Invite Canadian director Joel Zantingh or global director Phil Wagler as a speaker. Read more of these blog posts at FaithToday.ca/AllThingsReconciled.