I’ve been thinking a lot about peace. I think for me, peace is the biggest desire in my life. Not only do I wish for peace in the world, I also want peace in my friendships, peace in my marriage, peace for my future children. But I’m not known for my peace. In fact, for a long time, I was known for my fire. I would go from upset to angry in a moment; I was frustrated always. I wanted to burn bridges at the first sign of conflict. And yet, my desire was peace.
In steps (and I've told the story before), Jesus changed my life. In my prayers every day, I ask that God would increase the peace in my life and in the world. I pray that this fruit of the spirit would be evident in my life. In times of trouble, when peace feels far from us, whether because of external factors or internal ones, we can look to Christ for peace.
Needing some peace today? Pray one of these prayers, adapted from Time to Pray: Daily Prayers for Youth by Elmer N. Witt.
For Peace in the World
Almighty God, You put into the hearts of all people a longing for peace; I ask that according to Your will You would end the misunderstanding, hatred, and fighting among nations.
Keep my country from self-righteousness and foolish boasting and from despising others who have more or less than we have.
Deliver us from wanting to impose our will or way of life on other countries.
Remind us not to trust in science, weapons, or military know-how and strength alone.
Help my country, O God, and all the nations of the earth to know that You alone are the Lord and that only in You is there hope. Grant us the grace to repent of sin and the desire to listen to Your Word. Forgive our evil, heal our spiritual disease, and make us live together in peace.
Prosper and bless all who promote the welfare of the nations of the earth. Make them ministers of Your mercy and messengers of Your love. Make each of us responsible for our brothers and sisters near at home and in different lands, of different cultures and different races.
In war or peace, let Your light shine in me so that all people may see my good works and glorify You, through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
To Let God Be God
Sharpen my understanding of You, O God, and increase my faith.
I know that Your thoughts are not my thoughts and that Your ways are not my ways (Isaiah 55:8).
I know that as far as heaven is above the earth, so great is Your love to those who fear You (Psalm 103:11).
I know that as far as the east is from the west, so far do You remove my sins from me (Psalm 103:12).
I know I cannot of myself comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth of Your love (Ephesians 3:18–19).
I know that You are able to do far more abundantly than all that I can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
Help me by Your love not to want You as less than You truly are.
Help me by Your mercy not to fear that my sins are too great for You to forgive.
Help me through Your grace to accept You as my own so that I may live under You in Your kingdom.
Keep me, holy God, from words and thoughts that make light of spiritual gifts.
Keep me, holy God, from using Your name or Your Word without sincerity.
Keep me, holy God, from forgetting that the Almighty Himself has come to me in the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
O God, I know that You accept me as I am. Help me to receive You. Amen.
Prayers are adapted from Elmer N. Witt, Time to Pray: Daily Prayers for Youth © 2011 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Help be a peacemaker and bring the Word of the Lord to people near and far.
