God Gives Peace Through Prayer
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise of peace. We know you have given your perfect peace through Jesus Christ. Amen
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever…” Isaiah 26:3-4a
REFLECT:
There is no question that this world could use a large dose of peace. As we reflect on today’s scripture, we can clearly see the problem and solution. Are we steadfast in God? Do we truly trust in him? We can see so many counterfeits in society today. Our minds are being drawn from here and there by social media, television, news reports and the list goes on. I attended a Bible study at work years ago where a gentleman made the comment “Satan only wants your time.” It has made me think of how true that statement was. If he can get anything into our thoughts to distract us from God, he wins! How much time do we spend thinking about our work, media, news, money, etc. in comparison to how much time we focus on Godly things?
APPLY:
How can we trust in a God we don’t know? How will we have his peace if we don’t trust him? Like the old adage, “we become what we eat” if we don’t spend time in his Word, prayer, and meditation, how can we experience his peace? Philippians 4:6-7 makes it clear. “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.” Always remember that our enemy desires to rob us of the time God has given each of us. Invest your time wisely!
CLOSING PRAYER:
God of Peace, We ask that you fill us with a peace that passes understanding. Peace not as the world gives but as only you can give. May we strive to be peaceMAKERS rather than peaceKEEPERS, knowing that you have called us to an active faith. Help us keep our eyes focused on our similarities even as we work in different lanes to pursue your will. Teach us to rest in the true peace of our hope in you. Amen.
(Prayer from Weekend Service)