5 Worship Songs for War and Peace
As we see the violent conflict in Ukraine unfolding, Christians are globally declaring the power of God who is “Might to Save”.
As we see the violent conflict in Ukraine unfolding, Christians are globally declaring the power of God who is “Might to Save”.
Over the last few days, the international news outlet has been releasing images and reports of people praying, singing in public places whilst huddled in groups, and finding refuge in churches. Their persistence in the midst of hardship is a testimony to the power of prayer and praise in the darkest of times.
As the people of Ukraine face war, believers across the country and globally, including many evangelicals, gather to worship the Lord. Here is a selection of songs as reminders to remain prayerful no matter the choice of faith. Let’s all pray for Ukraine, let’s all pray for peace.
1.“God the Great One!” (Prayer for Ukraine)
МОЛИТВА ЗА УКРАЇНУ is Ukraine’s “national spiritual anthem”. This beautiful choral hymn is sung alongside a visual showcase of some of Ukraine’s most beautiful spots. The English lyrics are as follows:
Lord, oh the Great and Almighty,
Protect our beloved Ukraine,
Bless her with freedom and light
Of your holy rays.
With learning and knowledge enlighten
Us, your children small,
In love pure and everlasting
Let us, oh Lord, grow.
We pray, oh Lord Almighty,
Protect our beloved Ukraine,
Grant our people and country
All your kindness and grace.
Bless us with freedom, bless us with wisdom,
Guide into kind world,
Bless us, oh Lord, with good fortune
For ever and evermore.
2. “The Lord’s Prayer” by Hillsong Worship
Adapted globally and sung already in many versions, The Lord’s Prayer is truly the summary of the whole gospel. Although there are theological differences and various modes of worship, according to Fuller Seminary professor Clayton Schmit, “there is a sense of solidarity in knowing that Christians around the globe are praying together … and these words always unite us.”
The original text from Matthew 6: 9-13: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
3. “Mighty To Save” in the Russian language
The Hillsong song “Mighty to Save,” which came out in 2006, has been sung in Ukraine for almost that long. Significantly, this version by Hillsong Worship is being sung in Russian, not Ukrainian. The song’s most prominent lyrics is found in its chorus lyrics below:
Savior, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever, author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
4. “I will Sing,” by Maria Kuchurian & Diana Yakovyn
Written and published recently by two recent seminary graduates Kuchurian and Yakovyn, the song Співатиму has also won a national award for worship music. Here are the lyrics in English:
He is the One who lifts up and surrounds with peace.
His love is great! I will hold on to Him.
When the heart is heavy, He takes away the stone,
Gently hugs. O my holy Jesus!
I will sing, I will sing, I will sing to the Risen King!
His hand is with me. He’s near, here, I know
I feel in my heart, I pray to Him!
He warms with love and wipes away tears
Loyal Friend forever. His name is Jesus!
You chose me and set me up, You chose me, raised me up!
You chose me and forgave me, You chose me, raised me!
You chose me and filled me, You chose me, raised me!
5. “Hear Our Cry” by Stream of Praise 讚美之泉
“Hear Our Cry” is a recent release in 2021 by Taiwan’s largest not-for-profit music publishing company Stream of Praise. Produced by Tiffany Cheng and Sandy Yu. Lyrics in English as follows:
Hear the call of this generation, the deepest longing
The truest expectation is to glorify God with us
Hear the call of this generation, the deepest longing
Open your hands and hope that the glory of God is with us
God of glory set the throne here
manifest in worship
God of glory set the throne here
Your people love you deeply
Call to look forward to
longing for presence
As Russian forces push further into Kyiv, many Ukrainian citizens have been hiding under the city’s streets – some in metro stations, some in basements, and others in purpose-built shelters.
While taking refuge underground, many have been turning to music for comfort.
In a video shared across social media, people can be seen singing along and waving their phone lights in the air while crowded into an underground shelter, as one woman plays guitar.
Other Kyiv residents have been sheltering under schools and child daycare centres, including a man who was filmed playing the Ukrainian national anthem ‘Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy i slava’ on a piano, as two young children watched on
