As a result, Franklin ran into a buzz saw of criticism. And he got more than "angry comments."

It's all too easy to become critical of another, particularly in this age of the Internet, social media and the dark web, rather than think: "That's a good idea," and offer a prayer for Vladimir Putin as he invades a neighboring nation.

This is not about politics. This is spiritual. It's not only that a land war is being played out on the world stage, it's also a spiritual battle being engaged in time and eternity.

Franklin Graham, the son of famed Evangelist Billy Graham, is a Christian missionary. He has a heart for souls, and he puts his faith into action through the Samaritan's Purse "an humanitarian aid organization that provides aid to people in physical need as a key part of its Christian missionary work."

Vladimir Putin has a soul. That soul was created by God. So the younger Graham prays for the Russian president.

But it seems that soul, created by God, has turned away from God, his Creator. Russia is a godless society. Everything is done to try and turn the heart of the people away from God. And the leader of that godless society is now Vladimir Putin.

Does God love him? Of course. HE created him.

"Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made ..." (Collect for Ash Wednesday)

Obviously Vladimir Putin needs personal prayer on his behalf. Should he die without a conversion experience he would spend eternity in the flames of hell. He's very salvation hangs in the balance.

And as the old adage goes: "You wouldn't wish that on your worst enemy."

Jesus, Himself, teaches in Matthew: "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor' and 'Hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matt. 5:43-45)

Christ teaching is reiterated in Luke: "But to those of you who will listen, I say: 'Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.'" (Luke 6:27-28)

So Christ Himself commands us to love and pray for our enemies.

Vladimir Putin is certainly an enemy, therefore he needs our heartfelt prayer. The dead are piling up at his feet. Eventually, when he joins the dead, he will be "called to give an account at that great last day" for his deadly actions in the Ukraine.

But of course the need for prayer goes far beyond Vladimir Putin. We pray for the Ukrainian people. We pray for the Russian people. We pray for the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We pray for the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. We pray for the Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. We pray for the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament). We pray for the Federal Assembly (the Russian legislature). We pray for Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Nations Sergiy Kyslytsya. We pray for the Russian Ambassador to United Nations Vasily Nebenzya. We pray for the various Armed Forces. We pray for the medics. We pray for the wounded. We pray for the dead. We pray for the survivors. We pray for the widows. We pray for the children. We pray for the displaced refugees. We pray for the Church. We pray for the journalists covering the unfolding war. We pray for Europe. We pray for NATO. We pray for the United Nations Security Council. We pray for those who are seeking an ending of hostilities. We pray for those who are praying for Vladimir Putin. We pray for the fill in the blank! We pray God's Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We pray for peace.

Only eternity will reveal what our prayers for Vladimir Putin have accomplished in lessening the hand of evil.

Pictures are now coming out of the Ukraine showing the people kneeling in the snow praying. Showing the people kneeling in prayer as bombs burst around them.

Franklin Graham was criticized not only for praying for Vladimir Putin by name, but for not specifically offering Joe Biden's name up in prayer at the same time.

Yes, of course, one prays for President Joe Biden. That should be a given for any United States Episcopalian or American Anglican.

The various Books of Common Prayer are replete with praying for "The President of the United States" and even "The Governor of this State."

Praying for the current President by his name is baked into the Episcopal DNA. Although it is not specifically written in the rubrics, many times Episcopalians will fill in the President's name -- and their Governor's name -- while praying the written prayer book petitions.

This prayerful tradition became political in 2017 when Donald Trump was inaugurated President. Some Episcopal rectors absolutely refused to pray for the 45th President by name preferring rather to pray for the "Office of the President" but not the President of the United States personally.

1928 BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church ...

We beseech thee also, so to direct and dispose the hearts of all Christian Rulers, (especially Joe Biden) that they may truly and impartially administer justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion, and virtue.
(Intercessions during the Administration of the Lord's Supper)

####

A Prayer for the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority

Oh Lord, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon the earth; most hardly we beseech thee, with thy favour to behold a bless thy servant the
President of the United States (Joe Biden), and all others in authority; also so replenish them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that they may always incline to thy will, and walk in thy way. Endue them plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant them in health and prosperity long to live; and finally, after this life, to obtain everlasting joy and felicity, to Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
(Morning Prayer)

****

Almighty God, whose kingdom is everlasting and power infinite; Have mercy upon this whole land; and so real the hearts of my servants The President of the United States (Joe Biden), The Governor of this State, and all others in authority, that they, knowing who's ministers they are, may above All things seek the honor and glory; and that we and all thy People, duly considering whose authority they bear, may faithfully and obediently honor them, according to thy blessed Word and ordinance; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and Reynolds ever, one God, world without end. Amen
(Evening Prayer)

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A Bidding Prayer

Ye shall pray for the President of the United States (Joe Biden), and for the Governor of this State, and for all that are in authority; that all, and every one of them, may serve truly in their several callings to the glory of God, and the edifying and well-being of the people, remembering the account they shall be called to give at that great last day.

1979 BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER

With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying "Lord, have mercy ..."

For our President (Joe Biden) for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
(Prayers of the People: Form I - Rite II)

****

I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of all people: Pray for justice and peace.
(Prayers of the People: Form II - Rite II)

****

We pray for all who govern (especially Joe Biden) and hold authority in the nations of the world: That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
(Prayers of the People: Form III - Rite II)

****

Let us pray for the Church and for the world ...
Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
(Prayers of the People: Form IV - Rite II)

****
In peace, let us pray to the Lord, saying: "Lord, have mercy."

For those in positions of public trust (especially Joe Biden), that they may serve justice, and promote the dignity and freedom of every person, we pray to you, O Lord: Lord, have mercy.
(Prayers of the People: Form V - Rite II)

****

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God ...

For this community, the nation, and the world:
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
(Prayers of the People: Form VI - Rite II)

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For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States (Joe Biden), the Governor of this State, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
(Prayers for National Life)

2019 (ACNA) BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER

Let us pray for the Church and for the world ...

We pray that you will lead the nations of the world in the way of righteousness, and so guide and direct their leaders, especially Joe Biden our president, that your people may enjoy the blessings of freedom and peace. Grant that our leaders may impartially administer justice, uphold integrity and truth,
restrain wickedness and advice, and protect religion and virtue.
(The Prayers of the People during Holy Eucharist)

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For the President and All in Civil Authority

Oh Lord our Governor, whose Glory fills all the world: We commend this Nation to your merciful care that we may be guided by your providence, and well secure in your peace. Grant to (Joe Biden) the President of this Nation, the Governor of this State, and to all an authority, wisdom and strength to know when to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them continually mindful of their calling to serve this people in reverent obedience to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God world without end. Amen
(Prayers Specific to the United States)

#####

That it may please you the rule the heart of your servant (Joe Biden), the President, and all others in authority that they may do justice, show mercy, and walk humbly before you: We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.
(The Great Litany)

2020 THE BOOK OF DIVINE WORSHIP
(Anglican Ordinariate)

Prayers of the People during Mass

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ Church and the world ...

We beseech thee also so to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land (especially Joe Biden), that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world.
(Intercessions: Form I)

****

Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all men according to their needs ...

We received thee also to lead the nations in the way of righteousness and peace; and so direct all kings and rulers that under them by people may be godly and quietly governed.
And grant them through thy servant, (Joe Biden) our President, and to all that are put in authority under him that they may truly and impartially administer Justice to the punishment of wickedness advice and to the maintenance of thy peace and virtue. (Intercessions: Form II)

****

With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord saying: "Lord, have mercy ..."

For our President (Joe Biden), for the leaders of nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy. (Intercessions: Form III)

****

Let us offer our prayers to almighty God ...

We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world: That they may work for thy peace on earth.
(Intercessions: Form IV)

****

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father ...

Guard and strengthen our President (Joe Biden) that he may put his trust in thee and seek thy honour and glory: hear us, good Lord.
(Intercessions: Form V)

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A Prayer for The President of the United States and all in Civil Authority

Almighty God, whose kingdom is everlasting and power infinite; Have mercy upon this whole land; and so rule the hearts of thy servants (Joe Biden), The President of the United States, The Governor of this State, and all others in authority, that they, knowing whose ministers they are, may above all things seek thy honour and glory; and that we and all the People, duly considering whose authority they bear, may faithfully and obediently honour them, according to thy blessed Word and ordinance; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth ever, one God, world without end. Amen
(Morning & Evening Prayer)

Mary Ann Mueller is a journalist living in Texas. She is a regular contributor to VirtueOnline.