Oh, how we’ve searched for peace in this world…but it eludes us.
Lord, we lift our heads and look to You, the Giver of Peace.
We have broken relationships, leaving our wounded hearts with festering soars. Fears hover over us concerning futures we can’t control. We have anger about injustices, resentments that feel justified, and words we can’t take back. Worry overwhelms us in a world where even our innocent children are not safe in their schools. Our finances are shaky…at best. Good health can be snatched in a moment. Pain is sometimes chronic. Responsibilities and expectations pile on our shoulders, rising like an insurmountable wall. Waves of guilt, shame and feelings of inadequacy crash over us, destroying hope that we have value to You, Lord, or anyone else.
Where is peace?
Money can’t buy it.
Relationships can’t guarantee it.
Addictions can’t replace it.
Politics can’t fix it.
Jesus, You said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
The prophet Isaiah tells us that You are the Prince of Peace.
Jesus, our world NEEDS You! Even though we strive for peace, we can’t find it in what this world has to offer. All of us around the globe stand condemned before You the Just Judge. You’ve given us fair warning, “There is none righteous, no not one.” (Romans 3:23) No WONDER there is no peace in this world!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”
Thank You, Lord, that you didn’t leave us as you found us, sinking in a bottomless mud pit of our own making. Thank You that You ran to our rescue, seeing the problem before we even knew our peril. Thank You, Jesus, that our anger… and worry… and self-righteous desire to control everyone and everything, has been forgiven at the cross. You brought us peace with God… peace with ourselves… peace with others, because we know you love them too.
Jesus, while we’re here in the place that tests our sense of peace, we ask You to:
Prepare hearts around the world to receive the peace and grace You have made available to all of us through forgiveness on the cross.
Give us eyes to see our world problems, and each other, through Your eyes of love, Jesus.
Give us ears to listen to each other with grace and compassion.
Give us hearts to PRAY for our world rather than complain about the turmoil. You have told us that “our battle is not against flesh and blood… but against the spiritual powers in the heavenly realms.” Teach us to pray for REAL peace in this world!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
Meet the Author!
Gayle Hadden and her husband, Terry, love being part of the groups ministry at CRBC. They are parents to three adult children and are blessed with four, soon to be five, adorable grandchildren. Serving Moms in Prayer International as a USA Division Coordinator for seven Heartland states, Gayle's passionate about getting children and schools covered in prayer. Gayle loves seeing God’s hand in nature, playing with grandkids, travel, birding and chocolate (dark please!) Email her at Heartland@MomsInPrayer.org.