A Prayer for Peace

When we are in the midst of conflict—especially long-standing conflict—peace almost seems unattainable. Yet, the Bible speaks of a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace can exist in the midst of conflict. This peace can live even when the entire world is crumbling around you, and you have nothing and no one to hold on to. This peace can be there when that knot at the end of your rope has somehow come undone. You can find God’s strength, comfort and peace—even there.

Philippians 4:6-7 says this, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Peace is not something that is effortless. It requires work on your part. Sometimes that work can be significant. In the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in the Fifth Chapter of Matthew, Jesus says, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Some people make peace seem completely out of reach, but we must humbly make every effort to be at peace with even the most difficult person in the world—the one that is 20 grit sandpaper on our skin, for the Bible tells us, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).

If we will keep our hearts and minds focused on trusting Christ, instead of ourselves, He will keep us in perfect peace, regardless of our circumstance.

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you” (Isaiah 26:3)!

Dear Father in Heaven,

You are the Prince of Peace. We thank You and praise You for Your awesome power and blessing in our life. We thank You for being mindful of us and for placing Your gentle hand of loving correction upon our lives in order to make us all that You would have us to be.

We come to You now with a request for peace. We are weary and exhausted with the conflict. We long for Your perfect peace—the peace that passes understanding, Father.

Help us to live peaceably with all men, Father. Show us just exactly what that means in this particular situation and in every situation to come. May we find strength in quietness and confidence, and resting in You (Isaiah 30:15).

Lord, help us to be known as a peace-loving people. May we not be divisive, but may we remain true to You, allowing Your Word to penetrate our heart and spirit with wisdom.

We ask all these things in Your name.

AMEN.

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