7 Prayers That Work

  Lord Jesus, Today is the International Day of Peace.  What does that even mean? The world is not peaceful. It doesn't feel like it will ever be peaceful . How can I find peace in my everyday life, for the normal anxieties and the terrifying uncertainties ? I know you are Peace. But honestly, sometimes peace feels impossible. Forgive me for not daily giving my fears back to you and praising you for the future I can't see. You will never leave me. You will always protect me. You and only you can provide me the peace I crave. I will seek your face and read your words. There I will find "the peace that passes understanding." ( Philippians 4:7 ) There I'll find you. That's where the peace is. In Jesus' name, Amen. "And let the  peace  of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

Oh, Lord, the Prince of Peace, Instead of praying against stress -- instead of praying for a calm, peaceful life-- Lord, make me a peacemaker. I crave peace, but I don't often make peace. I find the problems, I criticize the results, I blame the victimizers. But I don't try to make peace , I don't wish blessings on those who oppose or hurt me. I don't cultivate kindness, grace, and generosity in unjust situations. I don't forgive enough. I accuse too often. I excuse my own sins. I cover up what's bad in my and expose what's bad in others. That's not peacemaking. Lord, I want to see you work in my life. I want to know you and become like you. So that means I MUST become a peacemaker. Lord, help me see people how you see them. Help me give up for the greater good. Help me to live for eternity, to sacrifice for the gospel, to protect the church, to love the world, to pray for my family . Help me to work for solutions  rather than fight over problems. I con...

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the  nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. ( Isaiah 9 :2-3, 6-7) Oh, Wonderful Lord and Everlasting Father, You bring peace the world does not understand. You overthrow kingdoms and transform governments . You understand pain and relieve suffering. You experience grief to bring us joy. You never grow tired or weary. You are never overwhelmed, ne...

Dear God of all comfort, You get grief. It sucks, doesn't it? Grief interrupts the joy of living and suffocates you. It's like dying but knowing you will eventually come up for air, and you will not pass out. You will live through it. You get it. You felt grief in the sharpest way possible. You were betrayed and rejected by the object of your love and sacrifice. And then you were rejected by your Father. You bore the weight of the sins of the whole world--the horrific acts of violence, cruelty, and debauchery. You felt them and You wore them as You died. And because You know what grief is, You are the only true comforter. So comfort us. Spread Your peace like a quilt over the shoulders of those who grieve parents, children, and the lives they hoped to live. Give each of us hope and confidence that You have a plan for us--You will prosper and keep us in Your perfect will. Grief is just a part of Your will. It's just not the part we wanted to experience. To und...