7 Prayers That Work

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...

Lord Jesus, Thank you for being Emmanuel, "God with us." (Click here for "A Christmas Prayer for you.") There's no reason that You should want to be with us, to be our God or offer forgiveness, much less become human like us. What a degradation for the Creator to become the created. Why did you do it? Here's why: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." ( John 3:16 ) Love. What a wonderful reason to take human form, and what a compelling reason for us to trust you! It's a wonder we don't comprehend "God with us" more often. (Click here to read "9 Prayers for Christmas hope.") You loved us. You and God the Father and God the Spirit. You created our world. You placed us in it. You came to us because we couldn't be good enough on our own. Then you died and paid our debt. Then to rose again ...

Dear Lord, I'm speaking Your words over my crazy, jumbled life: Peace, be still. I can't calm down on my own, so help me breathe in Your beauty and Your calm. Peace, be still. I can't control the things around me, so give me the courage to stop trying, stop striving, stop worrying. Peace, be still. You guard me, around and before me. You designed me perfectly to carry out Your will. You have marked out my way. So why am I afraid? Peace, be still. I wallow in discouragement and negative thinking, and I turn aside from You, searching so many other places to find motivation, assistance, encouragement, affirmation, and love. Help me hear Your words: Peace, be still. Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? You, Prince of Peace, are the answer. Amen. "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher...