This Friday, U.S. President Trump meets with Russian President Putin to discuss the path to peace in Ukraine.
The planned summit takes on significant importance in light of the nuclear arsenals these two countries possess. An escalation of the conflict could have dire consequences, intended or unintended. Thus, a peaceful resolution is more than a priority: it is a necessity.
In my opinion, Trump and Putin, left to their own instincts and skills, will be successful in achieving an understanding. Trump and Putin are not angry bloodthirsty villains. Both have a decent (and even Christian) view toward the situation. Both would prefer a peaceful outcome.
However, as in all conflicts, the outcome does not rest completely in the hands of the primary negotiators (though it should). Rather, each primary negotiator must address the needs (and demands) of “stakeholders.” In this particular negotiation, the secondary stakeholders, many of whom profit from war rather than peace, seek to counter or sabotage the primary negotiators, Trump and Putin.
With adequate time, it is likely that both leaders would be able to corral their dissident ranks and reach the table with better control of the situation. With bombs and missiles and drones wreaking havoc every day, this time is not readily available.
In addition, there does not appear to be a sufficiently powerful mediator in control of the process. As I have written previously, it is almost impossible for negotiators to represent their interests AND at the same time run the process. The demands placed on Trump and Putin to both negotiate for their interests AND step “outside of themselves” to run the process are immense.
In my experience, usually a moment arrives when the peacemaking process hits an impasse. I have often, as a mediator, experienced the moment when all hope of settlement fades. In those moments, I sit back, assume a prayerful demeanor, and turn it over to the Holy Spirit. (Trust me, you will not find this technique in standard mediation texts.)
Personally, this move has never failed. When I cede control to the Holy Spirit, the parties suddenly and unexpectedly come up with a resolution out of the blue. Truly a miracle. (I’ve learned not to doubt the reality of miracles.)
But neither Trump nor Putin is in charge as a mediator. What can they do?
In many faith-based mediations of considerable scope, a prayer team is a key tool. They gather in a separate room and engage in continual prayer as the mediation – negotiation – peacemaking session takes place. They invoke the power of the Holy Spirit to render the miracle.
If, at this late hour, even if it is possible to assemble a prayer team of the world’s great clergy, how do we corral unruly stakeholders? Can they be handled by the prayer team? Maybe…
Upon a deep dive look at the stakeholders we discover that they’re not only profiteers, but something much darker. St. Paul addressed this problem:
Ephesians 6: 10-15
10 Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. 11 Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. 13 Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. 14 So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, 15 and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace.
Unruly stakeholders are not only those visible during our cursory inventory; they include principalities, powers, and spirits of darkness.
When the fate of the world stands in the balance, do not, for a second, think that we are free from these invisible influencers. Rather, let us support the idea of a prayer team and let us all become prayerful spiritual warriors — ad hoc prayer teams around the world that bring the peace of Christ to this summit. We can do it. AMEN.