Ukraine Christians, Jews Pray Psalm 31 As Battles Rage
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
KYIV (Worthy News) – As battles rage in Ukraine, Christians and Jews are praying the Bible’s Psalm 31, including in bomb shelters and other locations, Worthy News learned.
The Ukrainian Jewish community’s Chief Rabbi Yaakov Dov Bleich invited Christians to join religious Jews praying Psalm 31 as the Russian invasion began.
Ukraine’s Bible Society organization released video footage showing believers praying for peace in bunkers and shelters while citing Psalm 31.
Separately, Christians were also seen kneeling on a snow-covered square in the eastern industrialized city of Kharkiv, some 42 kilometers (16 miles) from Russia’s border.
“The Psalm has become ‘the key scripture for all Ukrainians’ according to our colleagues,” the Bible Society said in a statement monitored by Worthy News.
Its Deputy General Secretary Anatoliy Raychynets suggested that the Psalm renewed his faith in times of war. “For me, as a pastor, that Psalm … well, I read it differently now,” he said. “Because it’s about our current situation in Ukraine. This ancient prayer – written several thousand years ago – now we see is so alive, is living.”
It comes as pastors remain working in eastern Ukraine, where republics run by Russian-backed separatists have been recognized by Moscow.
Elsewhere Christians are also gathering despite what they view as spiritual and physical warfare as Ukraine faces an invasion by some 200,000 Russian troops.
In Russia, Christians have joined in praying for peace and fellow believers across the border, Worthy News established.
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