Russia

Challenges for Prayer

The government faces many daunting tasks, present and future. Lift up to the Lord the many threats facing Russia.

a) Pray for political wisdom. Russia is prone to authoritarian rule and admits that in the current climate good governance is more important than democracy and personal freedoms. Current and forecasted troubles would further erode freedoms and entrench a centralized power. Pray for the balancing of strong government with democratic accountability and respect of basic freedoms.

b) Economic stability is threatened by hopelessly inadequate infrastructures – both physical and legal/financial – including disappearing investment, a huge budget deficit and dwindling cash reserves. The struggles of millions with poverty and general hopelessness raises to alarming heights crime, drug abuse, alcoholism, family breakdown and suicide. Yet, vast natural resources and potential for greater output hold much promise. Pray for wise fiscal policies and for the long-term vision and strength to follow through on them.

c) Corruption must be rooted out. The power of oligarchs is being reined in, but criminal networks remain highly influential at home and abroad. They cripple honest business initiative and subvert the bureaucracy. There is no chance of change for the better without confronting these dark forces, a war that will require immense resolve and courage.

     For an additional 10 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.