Give Thanks in all Circumstances — Even if it’s War

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Since late February 2022, our Awana team in Ukraine has lived under the effects of war. Despite this they continue to give thanks in every circumstance. Eastern Europe Director Pavils Grigas shared what that has been like: “From time to time our battery is almost out, and then God sends us reminders that He is at work.”

Pavils encourages us to keep praying even when we think we don’t have much to offer. Just like the widow’s offering (Mark 12:42), God uses every small gift and prayer. Or as Pavils says, “Many prayers, like many pennies; God will do big things.”

We give thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness, and we invite you to keep praying with us for the following requests provided by Olga, one of our translators and trainers in Ukraine.

• For people not to get tired physically as much as they can get tired these days. Many people volunteer a lot. They have jobs. They are very involved in the ministry. So I would ask to pray for those people for strength.

• For Ukrainian people to be able to see that God is at work because He is.

• Churches and our leaders to be sensitive and sensible. There are new challenges that our churches need to face working with trauma, both physical and emotional. Pray for our churches to have wisdom and understanding from God how we can help our people these days.

• Please pray for protection and safety, especially for those people who defend our country; and also for those people who haven’t accepted Christ as their friend because they have, I think, more fear.

• Pray for our Christian people and our churches to really sense the Holy Spirit because He can and He is speaking. So pray for the churches to hear how they can be more effective during this time.

Whatever you’re facing, God is with you. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks to Him in all circumstances.

Did you know Awana has a monthly calendar of ways you can pray for our Awana clubs around the world? Go to awana.org/prayer to find it. While you’re there, sign up to become a prayer partner. You’ll receive each month’s calendar automatically in your inbox.