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Praying to the Prince of Peace (day 7)

 

Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden. 
— Corrie Ten Boom

Our prayers today will focus on Jesus as our Prince of Peace. Many times we come to prayer to find that elusive peace that our hearts long for. We bring to God all of the little things on our minds and whatever is weighing upon our hearts and He promises peace in return.

Worship Jesus, the Prince of Peace

Lord, You know all of the things that crash against me, shaking me, disrupting my peace and unsettling my spirit. You know about every minor worry I have, every burden I carry and every full-blown anxiety I harbor. The world is full of strife, war, and political unrest where darkness often reigns. This promise to Israel of the hope of a messiah, a savior, speaks to my heart as well. You planned ahead for Jesus to be our prince of peace, the one who would restore the kingdom of light and banish the fear of strife. Thank you for being the Prince of my peace and for being my solid foundation that I can stand firmly upon when my peace feels shaken.

Isaiah 9:2-7

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
    as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
    when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
    you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
    the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
    and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
    will be fuel for the fire.
6 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.
7 Of the greatness 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.

Appropriate the truth of scripture as you grow in your walk of faith

Lord, I bring my anxieties to You today and I confidently walk away from this prayer time, trusting that You will replace my worry with Your peace that passes understanding. Guard my heart from needless worries and guard my mind from spiraling out into worst case scenarios. Help me to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable so that my mind can be stayed on You instead!

Philippians 4:6-8

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.


Light - Walk in the light by openly confessing your sins and need for God

Lord, I know my peace is missing many times because I fail to trust in You. Forgive me for my lack of faith, for forgetting that You are the sovereign Lord and the future is in Your hands.

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.

Lord, I know You call us to live at peace with others but I sometimes misunderstand that. I gossip, criticize, or argue with others instead of pursuing peace like You would. I also mistake fake peace for real peace - fearing to speak truth because I care too much about what others think. Forgive me for how I disrupt the peace for others or maintain false peace instead of truth.

Romans 12:18

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.



Know Him more and more as you spend time with Him daily

 Jesus, may I know you as my Lord who doesn't add more burdens on me, but offers to take that heavy yoke from me. I want to learn from you, from your gentle and humble heart to that I can finally find rest for my soul. Show me how to lay down my burdens and learn to walk with You and Your easy yoke.


Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”


Jesus, our Prince of Peace, will calm our souls when we trust Him and come to Him in prayer with our concerns. His way is rest.


Prayers for others today:

S - Missions

M - Family

T - Church and Friends

W - Work

Th - Community

F - World affairs - pray for peace on earth

Sat - Self


Praying for your peace today,

Heather


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