Ukrainian Woman’s Prayer Leads Worship Leader to Theology Studies in Texas
Houston, Texas – A chance encounter in Houston has affirmed the power of prayer for worship leader Brooke Ligertwood, known globally for hits like “A Thousand Hallelujahs” and “Bless God.” Ligertwood recently shared a remarkable story of divine providence, meeting a woman from Ukraine whose years-long prayers paved the way for her to pursue a long-held dream of theological study.
The story unfolded at the Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center in Houston, Texas, where Ligertwood was auditing a doctoral intensive led by New Testament scholar Dr. Lynn Cohick. Ligertwood, who described herself as “poorly educated” in a formal sense, but deeply devoted to scripture, had expressed a desire to study theology in a past video interview.
That video reached Ksusha, a Ukrainian woman pursuing her PhD remotely while navigating the ongoing challenges in her homeland. Moved by Ligertwood’s expressed wish, Ksusha began praying earnestly for her to receive the opportunity to study theology.
“She told me that a couple of years ago, she came across a clip of me being asked if there was something in my life I hadn’t had the opportunity to do yet that I would like to,” Ligertwood wrote in a social media post detailing the encounter. “I answered that one day I hoped to study theology.”
Fatefully, Ksusha and Ligertwood found themselves walking toward the same entrance at the library. Ksusha, overcome with emotion, initially responded with “I’m shocked” upon meeting Ligertwood. She then explained her story and the fervent prayers she had offered for the singer-songwriter.
“God saw fit not only to give me a sublime taste of an answer to a prayer I hadn’t dared pray myself, but made sure that she who had faith to pray it for me saw with her own eyes a beginning come to pass,” Ligertwood reflected.
The encounter highlights the interconnectedness of faith and the unexpected ways in which prayers can be answered. It also underscores the resilience of individuals like Ksusha, continuing their education amidst the turmoil of war in Ukraine. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as of February 2024, there were over 6.2 million Ukrainian refugees recorded across Europe, demonstrating the scale of displacement and the ongoing need for support.
Ligertwood’s experience serves as a powerful reminder, she says, that “when you pray, know this: God is a loving Father with a glint in His eye.”
