Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thess. 3:16 (NLT)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Col. 3:15 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, there’s no part of our being, chapter in our stories, or place in the universe outside your interest and care. You are Creator and Sustainer, Redeemer and Restorer, Lord and Lover of your people. Because of your finished work, our Father is at peace with us and we have peace with him. Hallelujah!
Today we come to you, as the Lord of Peace, seeking a greater measure of your peace in our hearts, relationships, and circumstances. Hear our prayers; grant us grace; increase our peace.
We pray for our marriages. Of course Satan doesn’t want our marriages to thrive, or even survive, because marriage is designed to reveal your great love for your Bride, the church. Of course we act foolishly in our marriages, for we wrongly assume the right human partner can “fill us up”. Forgive us and free us, O Lord. Bring ongoing repentance, refreshment, and renewal to our marriages.
We pray for our children—made for wonder, but prone to wander. Jesus, thank you for the privilege of parenthood. At times, nothing gives us greater delight; at other times, nothing brings us greater frustration. Thank you that our easiest children aren’t beyond the need of your grace; and our most challenging children aren’t beyond the reach of your grace. Free us to parent as Abba Father parents us.
We pray for our vocations and vacations, our health and hardships, our world and our worries… into all these spheres, assure us you’re working for our good, and your glory.
Lastly, we pray for our hearts—already new by the gospel, but still tempt-able and seduce-able, capable of great nobility and great foolishness. Compel us with your love, gentle us with your peace, and transform us with your grace. Jesus, keep us thirsty for you, humble before you, and satisfied in you. So very Amen we pray, in your all beautiful and all grace-full name.
