A small team recently travelled to Ukraine to help facilitate non-stop prayer for 130 young people who had gathered from all parts of the war-torn nation to seek God, receive discipleship input, and be refreshed and encouraged. 

The team created a 24-7 Prayer Room at the heart of the gathering which prayed night and day for five days. There were tears, praise, silence, creativity, intercession and dancing. One young person said “I have never felt and experienced the peace and presence of God like we had in the prayer room.” 

Another said, “I didn’t know if I would be able to cry, but within four seconds in the prayer room I was just weeping in the presence of God. I also didn’t know if I could pray for an hour, but two and half hours just flew by.” 

Team leader Ian shared that “it really was a remarkable time; there were deep stories of trauma and pain from the last few years but also a wonderful release of life as these young people are meeting Jesus in life-changing ways. Despite the challenges, we will never forget the unrestrained worship: it was passionate, exuberant, positive and bold. They have discovered that when so much else has gone, Jesus is still there and full of love and hope.” 

Passion for the presence of God was a key theme of the week, with many young people staying in the prayer room long into the night. One young person shared that “I overslept for my 3am time [in the prayer room] and so sprinted to get there. It was ok as there were four people in there anyway praying! I stayed for three hours and the presence of God was so wonderful.” 

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Another team member, Nick, reflected that “Whether getting up at 6am to worship, or carrying on long after meetings have finished or when in complete darkness due to power shortages, or the prayer room being full all hours day and night, I am marked and in awe of the hunger Jesus is stirring here. It feels like something we can all be challenged and inspired by as the global church. […] Thank you Ukraine for teaching me the beauty and power of what costly worship and prayer looks like.” 

As the five days of prayer, worship and teaching ended, Ukrainian leader Angela said “Our young people are super excited about the prayer rooms and how simple they are. I know we will see 24-7 Prayer Rooms in many cities across Ukraine. It is not only young people: I have spoken to many pastors who want this.” 

Please join us in praying for the church in Ukraine! We’re thanking God for all that he is doing in this nation, and we’re asking him to continue to bring his presence, power, and peace.