In my own prayers for the preservation of the Ukrainian people, two Bible stories come to mind.
The first is the story about the wise man that saved his city.
“There was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city” (Eccl. 9:14,15, NKJV).
I pray to see that Ukraine is filled with “wise men,” that can see how to save their country from foreign domination.
The second story is when the King of Syria amassed a huge army to pursue and capture the prophet, Elisha.
“And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha”
(II Kings 6:15-17, NKJV).
The rest of the story tells how Elisha led the army back home, and how the siege ended without a single life lost.
I pray that the “eyes” of all people, in Ukraine, and in Russia, can see how war is not necessary. A country can be great without usurping another. And neighbors can live peacefully with each other, supporting one another, working together for the universal good, rather than living in fear of what the other might do.
The best future for mankind lies in a world governed by Love. Step by step, humanity will get there.
“…a world governed by Love”
Worth more thought indeed.
Thank you so much, Evan, for these ideas on how to pray about the Ukraine crises. The other story that comes to mind is that of Hezekiah in II Kings 18 & 19 where the Assyrian army threatens him and his people. They even told him that it was pointless him trusting in the Lord as other nearby places had tried to do the same and were defeated by the all powerful Assyrian army. But Hezekiah and his people pray to the Lord, and Isaiah tells Hezekiah: “Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the Lord. For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.”
As a result the attacking army is completely wiped out. It’s a great story, like the two you have mentioned.
Thank you David for sharing that story. I had thought about the two that Evan mentioned but not that one. All such good examples of what trusting in the Lord can do.(=
Thank you for sharing Hezekiah’s deliverance. It was shared this way with me many years ago & is such a help
32 Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria( illness). (The illness) shall not come into this (body), nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it.
33 By the way that (the illness) came, by the same shall ( the illness) return, and shall not come into this (body), saith the LORD.
34 For I will defend this (body), to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant (your name)’s sake.
(II Kings 19:32–34)
May all our eyes be open to the Love that is powerful and present, there and in every corner of the earth. As I watch and pray I will try to let God help me see beyond the appearance of fear, evil, destruction. The Mind of God is in every one of us and in all the leaders involved, guiding each one. Thanks Evan for the 2 Bible stories you mentioned and for directing our thoughts higher.
One with God is a majority…even one small wise man (or woman!)
Thank you dear Evan and everyone for the great reminders of who really is in control. Peace to the world and satisfaction of what we already possess which is all we need which is supplied by our mutual creator and sustainer, our beloved Father Mother God.
Much needed direction today, thank you Evan for these examples …well known, loved and studied examples..to support our constant prayers for peace
The true fact is that EVERY man is the idea of God and is therefore able to enable harmony through Love,
I like to think it is the March of Truth which will prevail and not the March of armies.
Barbara.UK, I appreciate that idea of the “March of Truth” and not the “March of armies”. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this most inspirational thought Barbara!
Evan, I am so grateful for the guidance you’ve provided for us in this post. These conversations give me such food for thoughtful prayer. I now am more calm when I remember that we are praying to have the “eyes of all” the people” opened.” Thank you.
Ukraine has so very much in world goods. Russia should see the importance of the Ukrainian people producing all their needs efficiently. All they have to do is treat them as their neighbor.
Bullying and defiance are self destructive. It will bring the perpetrators of aggression down.
Here I thought that major world powers had learned the cruel lessons of major conflict of this nature from WWII. Nobody wins a conflict of any warlike nature.
The right ideas are there, guiding the conflicting forces. My advice is to withdraw and apologize.
Thank You Evan for speaking out rationally in this time of impending catastrophic conflict.
We wish for peace between all peoples and recognize their importance and contributions.
God alone governs.
Once again I benefit from your thoughts and words David,
Thank you
WAR NO PART OF TRUE CONSCIOUSNESS
https://journal.christianscience.com/shared/view/288xrv1j8wq?s=e
“More potent than bullets is the Word of God.” Thank you, Martine, for this perfectly-timed Journal article, and Evan, for helping me calm my thought and redirect my prayers to affirm that God is, and always has been, in control. I question what I can do so far away, and MBE’s words “my prayers, some daily good to do, to Thine for Thee, an offering pure of Love whereto God leadeth me.” I will continue to pray for this situation and for ALL of our sisters and brothers worldwide, knowing the Word of God is speaking to them, as well.
Thank you Evan. I know there is one omnipotent Mind governing all and this Mind is Love.
In watching the news on Ukraine we can see what we know in our hearts to be true. People reaching out with love in their interactions with each other, The human family’s reactions around the world are against the invasion, knowing that destruction of others is not the way to gain authority or supremacy over their neighbors. We all have a stake in the current events that are unfolding in Europe.
Around the world humanity is awakening to the fact that force is not the road to success . We all breathe the same air, we all are included in the wisdom, security, safety, and comfort in our understanding of our spiritual identity. To know and stay calm under the siege of world opinions is to be in our rightful place.
I love your last sentence Lindalou❣️Thank you
Mary baker Eddy say on p. 399
(Talking about matter beliefs)
“If Mind is the only actor, how can
mechanism be automatic. Mortal
mind perpetuates it’s own thought.
There is no human stage for actors
to play out error. No human director
running a false script.
God is all true action. As Diane Said,
“One with God is a majority.”
God’s Oneness is the only thing going
on.
I love this much needed post for the world- and our consciousness. Thank you Evan. I may open it during my lunch and read it and the comments again and before dinner. Hold it in consciousness like a treasured gift.
I also want to share this rendition of “Open my eyes that I may see”
Hopefully I can paste so those interested can view and listen. It is a contemporary arrangement as he calls it. It has brought me much comfort and joy listening over and over. Here is the link:
https://youtu.be/u5JccKxmyqs
I love this thought!!! God’s Oneness is guiding the talks today and bringing about peaceful resolution, God’s Oneness is protecting President Zelensky. God’s Oneness is growing compassion in Putin and the Oligarchs. God’s Oneness is loving and comforting us all
in Ukraine, in Russia, and worldwide. PRAISE GOD!!!
I love this much needed post for the world- and our consciousness. Thank you Evan. I may open it during my lunch and read it and the comments again and before dinner. Hold it in consciousness like a treasured gift.
I also want to share this rendition of “Open my eyes that I may see”
It is a contemporary arrangement as he calls it. It has brought me much comfort and joy listening over and over. Here is the link:
https://youtu.be/u5JccKxmyqs
Thank you, Christi..loved the song!!
Hymn 253
The picture brought this to thought.
” And wake a white-winged angel throng
Of thoughts, illuminated
By faith, and breathed in raptured song,
With love perfumed.”
Science and Health p. 189. 22-24
The divine Mind includes all action and
volition, and man in Science is governed
by this Mimd.”
We need to see, understand, there is only
God’s man. No other action can go on,
anywhere.
I think we should all be praying about having wisdom and not just knowing the truth, but being able to discern it. What is being reported to us and what we are seeing may not be the truth about what is really going on……. as with all false beliefs.
Thank you for this reminder to be alert.
We don’t treat effects, but defang the ROOT of the error – namely, the belief that mind is mortal (death-bound).
Fear is the component that alters the perception to see error instead of reality. We should work metaphysically to reduce the fear in ourselves and for all mankind that they be able to see clearly a pathway to peace.
Well said, Josef, thank you. Counteracting fear with wisdom & inspiration from Love, Truth, and Mind will lead us away from reacting to fear/evil, unmask its so-called power, and lead to peace for all.
Thankyou Evan. Love the correlation of the chariots “round about Elisha” to the Ukranian people; and also from this week’s Bible lesson, Responsive Reading Isaiah 32:2 ‘And a man shall be as an hiding place…” To me this means, we don’t “need” protection; we are our own protection…each of us is surrounded with our own chariots of fire, protecting our mental and “physical” boundaries.
We adopted a little boy from Crimea, Ukraine, several years ago. We drove through much of the country and loved the people. Our hearts are broken, BUT, thanks to Spirit View and all the comments, I feel much better this morning. Thank you for showing us how to pray about the situation instead of crying.
Thank you Evan for the reminder of these powerful Bible stories. Evil mind has no power.
This morning I was led to read The Message and the interpretation of Isaiah 32:17-18 from this week’s Responsive Reading. I found it comforting to ponder in relation to the situation in the Ukraine.
“Justice will move into the badlands desert.
Right will build a home in the fertile field.
And where there’s Right, there’ll be peace
and the progeny of Right: quiet lives and endless trust.
My people will live in a peaceful neighborhood—
in safe houses, in quiet gardens.”
I’m holding this in thought today for the people of Ukraine especially, but for so many others.
Thanks Carolyn! Love this translation of these verses. (=
And thanks M for this gem: “If Mind is the only actor, how can
mechanism be automatic.” It made me think of the caravan of Russian trucks rolling into Ukraine. God, the only Mind and actor can halt it! The trucks can’t run without God animating them.
So grateful for Evan’s post and all the helpful comments.
So grateful for this spiritual perspective regarding the situation in Ukraine and all the supportive comments. It is comforting to know these Bible stories that support the power of prayer and bring peace. Let us not discount this power of prayer to bring peace to our world!
The Bible story of Daniel came to thought, too. In the morning to awake to that Daniel has not been eaten by the lions. And David and Goliath has been mentioned in news reports. Concordance study of Ego and evil has been helpful to me. We’re told that Putin wants to leave a legacy as a great Russian like Peter the Great etc. with all lands of former Russia under his control. But power is spiritual only. The universe belongs to God who is the one Great as Jesus said. Understanding that there is one Ego, or I AM, which we all reflect which governs and controls and protects all is helpful. God is not absent from His children. God’s everpresence is on the field of battle. God has not forsaken His creation. There is one I AM and power. Evil have no life, intelligence, action, being, or reality. Good is supreme, Mind is supreme, Love is supreme, Life is supreme, Spirit is abroad, Principle commands the situation. There is no evil personality or Person as God is the one I AM who includes us and the universe. If you type in Ego in search and Editorials there are some great articles on Ego as it relates to healing which can apply to this situation, too. It’s impressive how the Ukrainians ask for our prayers, knowing they need divine support.
https://sentinel.christianscience.com/issues/1969/8/71-32/rule-out-the-wrong-i
https://journal.christianscience.com/issues/1952/5/70-5/the-one-ego
Prayer brought down the Berlin Wall, prayers..a crowd walking with candles, praying. No power in evil. Love is supreme. Each of the Bible passages quoted give us the answer. God in control.
– The concept of forming a more perfect model in thought could be summarized by the modern-day phrase: “visualize world peace.” And yet, we take that phrase—“visualize world peace”— a step further when we realize that effective prayer is seeing all mankind as divine Mind sees us—perfectly, and letting go of personal sense or personal opinion of any kind. As we do this, we can actively acknowledge that “unselfishness, goodness, mercy, justice, health, holiness, love—the kingdom of heaven…” ALREADY reign supremely and universally, within and throughout. (Christie Hanzlik) https://cedarscamps.org/inspiration/article/12920/
– Instead of praying about our troubles we are to see them as non-existent before we begin to pray. Prayer is the sacred acknowledgement of absolute perfection already established. (Doris Henty)
“…may Thy Word enrich the affections of all mankind, and govern them!” ( our Daily Prayer)
Thank you Linda, that is so good, and I thought the same, however in a bit more asuring way, namely : … and Thy Word enriches the affections of all mankind, and governs them!” =)
jUST THIS MORNING MY FRIEND WAS CRYING IN FRONT OF HER T.V. WATCHING REPORTS FROM THE AREA YOU MENTIONED. I TRIED TO REASSURE HER BUT FELT AT A LOSS. THIS WILL DO THE TRICK TO LIFT HER SPIRITS. AND ON THE HOMEFRONT, WE HAVE BEEN PRAYING ABOUT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND THAT OF A RELATIVE ABOUT TO MOVE.. THIS IS A WONDERFUL ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT. THANK YOU.
Thank you for this reminder of Promise from God through these perfect examples history stories in the Bible!
I have been loving these Bible messages too:
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” -Isaiah 54:17. And: “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust.”
In watching the news reports I am in awe of the courageous stand that the peace loving people of Ukraine are taking for their their right to freedom from Russian domination. We as Christian Scientists can help them in this endeavor far more than in taking up arms. We can unite together in prayer, and rise to the true consciousness of divine Love’s omnipresence, omnipotence, and supremacy.
In her Boston Globe article “How Strife May Be Stilled”, Mary Baker Eddy wrote; “God is Father, infinite, and this great truth, when understood in it’s divine metaphysics, will establish the brotherhood of man, end wars, and demonstrate “on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Thank you Evan, and all the inspiring comments helping to support our prayers.
I ask myself, what does God know about all this? The answer is, of course,
nothing. He is not causing it and knows nothing about it, therefore it is in the
realm of bad dreams, and not the reality it seems to be. God is the only cause
and effect and causes only good because God is Love, and that is the Law in
operation right there in the so-called battlefield. “Thine is the power, and the glory,
and victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine.
Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as head over all”.
We can love our enemies, and forgive them “for they know not what they do”. They are
trying to capture and govern a material world, which does not exist. They are walking
along a path that leads nowhere and to nothing! Everyone needs our prayers.
I am praying to see God’s image and likeness as the reality of all involved, and that
God’s everlasting arms are around, beneath and above everything in Russia and the Ukraine.
All those incredibly courageous Ukrainian people have God with them, and all the Russian soldiers who doe not really want to be doing this, also have God with them. We can look beyond the material vision of Russia to have a Soviet Union, and see only the Grand Union of God and all His beloved children made in His image, and blessed, protected, directed, and governed by the
divine Principle of all true being.
Thank you. I have friends in this country who I cannot reach. I have been praying and appreciate the direction. Also Sentinel Watch, which I have not finished, has some good perspectives.
Mary Baker Eddy writes,
“Evil has no reality. It is neither person, Place, nor thing, but simply a belief, an illusion of material sense.”
Science and Health, p. 71:1
Thank you Evan and to all who send such helpful comments.
Thank you Evan and all for these much needed and inspiring thoughts. I read the opening passages in our lesson sermon this morning as a heaven-sent prayer for the Ukrainian people.
…O man greatly beloved, fear not.
…Fear not; for I am with thee:
…the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
And my people shall dwell in peaceable habitaron, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;
Amen
Oh Joan, I agree with you. I read the lesson sermon in the same way… I was in awe at how appropriate this lesson is for Ukraine!
Thank you , Evan and all contributors, for your prayers and support for this country.
I like how it says in the Bible Lesson, “I will say to the North, give up.”
Oh, I love that, too!!
Thank you for addressing ways for us to pray about this “opportunity to reveal more of the Truth” in the world. Very helpful. I really stayed stuck on the last bit:
“The best future for mankind lies in a world governed by Love. Step by step, humanity will get there.” Being honest I feel I’ve only begun to scratch the surface of understanding the magnitude of Love with capital L. But I have begun on the road to live it, trust it, and love it. This Love, that has nothing to do with personal attachment, is all-powerful. There’s nothing Love can’t heal or demonstrate. I’m seeing that we have so much more power to affect things like this Russia/Ukraine situation and anything else by being, living, demonstrating Love with capital L in our daily lives and interactions as well as praying about these situations. Our own personal demonstrations in everyday life will leaven the spiritual understanding of this all pervading Love with capital L. We know the entire mass of this Love will eliminate all supposed error/evil.
Thank you very much dear Evan, for your today`s interesting and helpful SpiritView, so comforting for the present worldsituation. Your last sentense said: “The best future for mankind lies in a world governed by Love!” In connection with this I remember Hymn 179 “Love one another – words of revelation” The second verse is so suitable:
“Love knows no evil, neither shade of sadness;
Love casts out every fear, lifts the heart to gladness.
Love heals our every ill,
all the law does Love fulfill.
Love is our answered prayer.!
And very helpful and suitable I find the following Bible verses:
Psalms 119: 18
“Open though mine (all) eyes. that I (we all) may see the wonders of thy law.”
Exodus 14: 13 + 14
13)
And Moses said unto the people, fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation
of the Lord, which he will shew to you today.
14)
The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Thank you all for your inspired comments and am very grateful for this healing SpiritView 🙂
As the word “usurping” is not found by me in my English/German dictionary, could anyone tell me in short, what the word means, please?
1. To seize and hold (the power or rights of another, for example) by force or without legal authority.
2. To take over or occupy without right: usurp a neighbor’s land.
3. To take the place of (another) without legal authority; supplant.
v.intr.
To seize another’s place, authority, or possession wrongfully.
Usirping = gewaltsam
to usurp s.th. – etwas gewaltsam/widerrechtlich an sich reißen
Thank you very much Trista and Nina!♡
Very clear and understandable how you explained it, specially here in relation to our praying for our brothers and sisters in the Ukraine. ♡♡♡
I like to think of Saul’s conversion to Paul. He was bent on violence and destruction but he was transformed by Christ Jesus and became a mighty warrior for God. My prayer is that all the “Saul’s” in our world be transformed. It happened before so it is a present possibility. Mrs. Eddy wrote in Miscellany 220:21 “God bless my enemies; make them Thy friends; give them to know the joy and the peace of love.”
Thanks Evan for bringing up this subject and to everyone for your comments. I have a dear friend in Poland who has taken in 8 refugees from the Ukraine. I am praying daily, and have been, to know that God is indeed omnipotent and that ALL things are possible to Him.
Thank you, Evan, and all of you. Ukranie is embraced by LOVE and only receiving bombs of LOVE. Divine justice and mercy are with them. I pray Psalm 23 for them: “Thou preparest a table before them in the presence of their enemies: Thou anointest their head with oil; their cup runnet over”. Amen.