He Hears Us: Prayers for Peace

Prayers for Peace

HE WILL BE CALLED

WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, Prince of Peace.

ISAIAH 9:6

Introduction

“Prince of Peace”� Consider for a moment what it means for Jesus to be given this title. He doesn’t just give peace; He is peace As a Royal Prince, peace is the hallmark of His rule and His presence for His people.

The Apostle Paul also describes peace in this way, writing to the church at Colossae, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace� And be thankful” (COLOSSIANS 3:15)�

We can submit to Christ’s peace, like servants before their master. Rather than letting our fears and anxieties rule our hearts, we can choose peace; for Christ, who has secured us as part of His kingdom, is our Ruler.

Our prayer is that this booklet of devotions, prayers and encouragement will help you to entrust your heart to the Lord, submit to the rule of the Prince of Peace and receive His gift of peace which is the birthright of all His people.

No matter what you are facing, peace is the Lord’s promise to you.

In Him, Your friends at Our Daily Bread Ministries

Prayers for those who seek peace with God

A King on a Donkey

It was Sunday—the day we now call Palm Sunday. Without a doubt, this wasn’t Jesus’ first visit to Jerusalem. As a devout Jew, He would’ve gone to the city every year for the three great feasts (LUKE 2:41–42; JOHN 2:13; 5:1)� In the past three years, Christ had also ministered and taught in Jerusalem. But this Sunday His coming into the city was radically different.

By riding a young donkey into Jerusalem at a time when thousands of worshippers were coming into the city, Jesus was the centre of attention (MATTHEW 21:9–11). Why would He take the place of prominence before thousands of people when for the past three years He’d deliberately kept a low profile? Why would He accept the people’s proclamation that He was King just five days before His death?

Matthew says that this took place to fulfil a five-hundred-year-old prophecy (MATTHEW 21:4–5) that God’s chosen king would come into Jerusalem “righteous and victorious, [yet] lowly and riding on a donkey”

(ZECHARIAH 9:9; SEE ALSO GENESIS 49:10–11)�

This was a truly unusual way for a triumphant king to enter a city� Conquering kings normally rode on mighty stallions. But Jesus didn’t come riding a warhorse. This reveals what kind of King Jesus is. He came in meekness and lowliness Jesus came not for war, but for peace, establishing peace between God and us (ACTS 10:36; COLOSSIANS 1:20)�

K. T. Sim

A Prayer of Thanks for Salvation's Peace

Jesus, thank You for coming into Jerusalem to reveal that You are the triumphant King of peace. You have redeemed and restored me by Your own hand. Thank You that I don’t need to hold on to my guilt. I don’t need to punish myself for my sins. I don’t need to hide away in sorrow. I just need to come to You, as I am, and receive Your forgiveness and peace. Amen

A Prayer of Repentance

Lord God, when I stray, I feel so unworthy of Your love. Yet Your Word is full of grace and welcome for those who repent. I confess my sin today and step again into the peace of Christ, my Saviour. Thank You that His arms of grace are open wide to me in each and every moment of my life. In His precious name. Amen

A Prayer for Pure Living

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit living within me to help me live in purity and goodness. I long to walk in holy ways that are a blessing for myself and others. I don’t have the strength myself; but You do. I commit my way to You; may I experience the peace and power of Your Spirit at work in my life. Amen

6 Verses about Our Peace with God

1

2

3

4

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace� Psalm 29:11

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests� Luke 2:14

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you� John 14:27

Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ� Romans 5:1

5

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace� Colossians 3:15

6

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way� The Lord be with all of you� 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Great peace

HAVE THOSE WHO love YOUR LAW, AND NOTHING CAN MAKE THEM STUMBLE.

PSALM 119:165

Prayers for those who seek peace of mind

His Peace

For several months, I coped with intense workplace politics and intrigues. Worrying is second nature to me, so I was surprised to find myself at peace. Instead of feeling anxious, I was able to respond with a calm mind and heart� I knew that this peace could come only from God�

In contrast, there was another period in my life when everything was going well—and yet I felt a deep unrest in my heart. I knew it was because I was trusting in my own abilities instead of trusting God and His leading. Looking back, I’ve realised that true peace— God’s peace—isn’t defined by our circumstances, but by our trust in Him.

God’s peace comes to us when our minds are steadfast

(ISAIAH 26:3)� In Hebrew, the word for steadfast means “to lean upon.” As we lean on Him, we’ll experience His calming presence. We can trust in God, remembering that He’ll humble the proud and wicked and smooth the paths of those who love Him (VV. 5–7)�

When I experienced peace in a season of difficulty rather than ease, I discovered that God’s peace isn’t an absence of conflict, but a profound sense of security even in distress. It’s a peace that surpasses human understanding and guards our hearts and minds in the midst of the most difficult of circumstances (PHILIPPIANS 4:6−7)�

Karen Huang

A Prayer for a Steadfast Mind

Father, help me to keep a steadfast mind. Root my thoughts in Your truth and Your goodness. Fortify my mind and heart with the promises of Your Word. Thank You for the perfect peace that comes to me when I choose to trust You. Lord, I affirm again today that my faith is in You, not my own efforts and instincts. Amen

A Prayer to Stand on the Rock of Christ

Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus has overcome this world. When it threatens to overwhelm me, help me run to the Rock that is higher than I. He is never overwhelmed; He is never shaken; He never loses His footing. My salvation and peace are held safely by Him for all eternity. Praise His wonderful name! Amen

A Prayer for Freedom from Negative Thoughts

Lord God, I submit my thought-life to You. Unchain me from the worries and anxieties that constantly invade my mind. Replace negativity and uncertainty with rejoicing in the assurance of Your presence. Nothing I face can undo Your Word or the work of Christ on my behalf. Help me to read and reflect on Scripture so that it takes a deep root within me. Transform me by the peace that comes simply from knowing You are here and You are King. Amen.

How to Seek Peace of Mind

1

Surrender Your Circumstances and Your Understanding to the Lord: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil� This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones�” Proverbs 3:5-7

2

Let God’s Word Be the Loudest Voice in Your Life: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night� That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3

3

Renew Your Mind in God’s Will by Reading Scripture: “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind� Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will ” Romans 12:1-2

4

Live by Jesus’ Strength, Not Your Own: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty� I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want� I can do all this through him who gives me strength�” Philippians 4:12-13

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.

PHILIPPIANS 4:8

Prayers for those who seek the peace that surpasses knowledge

The Prince of Peace

When John’s cold turned into pneumonia, he ended up in the hospital. At the same time, his mother was being treated for cancer a few floors above him, and he felt overwhelmed with worries about her and about his own health�

Then on Christmas Eve, when the radio played the carol “O Holy Night,” John was flooded with a deep sense of God’s peace. He listened to the words about it being the night of the dear Saviour’s birth: “A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!” In that moment, his worries about himself and his mother vanished�

This “dear Saviour” born to us, Jesus, is the “Prince of Peace,” as Isaiah prophesied (ISAIAH 9:6). Jesus fulfilled this prophecy when He came to earth as a baby, bringing light and salvation to “those living in the land of the shadow of death” (MATTHEW 4:16; SEE ISAIAH 9:2). He embodies and gives peace to those He loves, even when they face hardship and death�

There in the hospital, John experienced the peace that passes all understanding (PHILIPPIANS 4:7) as he pondered the birth of Jesus� This encounter with God strengthened his faith and sense of gratitude as he lay in that sterile room away from his family at Christmas. May we too receive God’s gift of peace and hope.

Amy Boucher Pye

A Prayer for the Peace Which Transcends Understanding

God of peace, when I’m anxious and fretting about many things, help me to turn to You and receive Your gift of peace. Thank You that I don’t have to understand it to receive it. I need only draw near and rest in Your unchangeable truth. Thank You that Your peace does surpass understanding and circumstances. For as You are mightier than whatever I go through, so too is Your peace. Fill my heart with peace today. Amen

A Prayer of Thanks During Trials

Heavenly Father, Your Word directs me to pray in thanks, even when my heart aches. So Lord, I come to thank You: I thank You that You are with me. I thank You that You understand exactly what I am going through and You know exactly how I feel. I thank You that I can open my heart to You any time, day or night. I thank You that Your strength never fails. I thank You that this season will end and one day You will wipe every tear from my eyes. Thank You that I have so many reasons to give you praise, even when life hurts. Amen

A Prayer to Rest in God’s Presence

Thank You, Father, for describing Yourself in Scripture as my stronghold, my refuge and my hiding place. Give me the ability to fix my eyes on You so that I can simply come and be still before You. Tune my ears to hear Your gentle voice that reminds me of who You are. Renew a sense of joy in my heart. Help me to rest in the comfort that comes from laying all my burdens at Your feet through prayer. Amen

3 Promises about the Difference

God’s Peace Makes in Our Lives

1

2

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones� Proverbs 14:30

The Lord is near. 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�

Philippians 4:5-7

3

The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 14:17

THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING, will guard

your hearts and your minds

IN CHRIST JESUS.

PHILIPPIANS 4:7

Prayers for those who seek peace in their relationships

What Counts

My friend recounted how she’d pointedly been asked by a fellow believer and colleague which political party she belonged to. His aim in asking the question seemed to be to predict whether he agreed with her on any number of issues currently dividing their community� In an effort to find common ground between them, she simply replied, “Since we’re both believers, I’d rather focus on our unity in Christ.”

People were also divided in Paul’s day, though over different issues. Topics such as what foods were permissible to eat and what days were considered holy brought disagreement among the Christians in Rome. Despite being “fully convinced in their own mind” on whichever position they held, Paul reminds them of their common ground: living for Jesus (ROMANS 14:5–9). Instead of passing judgement on one another, he encouraged them to “do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (V. 19)�

In an era when many countries, churches and communities are divided over issues large and small, we can point one another to the unifying truth of Christ’s work on the cross to secure our life with Him eternally. Paul’s reminder that we ought not “destroy the work of God” (V. 20) with our individual positions is as timely today as it was 2,000 years ago. Instead of passing judgement on one another, we can act in love and live in a way that honours our brothers and sisters�

Kirsten Holmberg

A Prayer for Unity

Jesus, thank You for saving me and my Christian brothers and sisters by Your grace. Forgive me for the times I get distracted by lesser issues and allow division to occur between myself and other believers. Help me to bring unity through focusing on You. May Your peace be felt and shared throughout my church family. Amen

A Prayer for Reconciliation

Loving God, it’s so easy to descend into a spirit of resentment and bitterness towards others, even fellow believers in You. But I know that there’s a better way—teach me that way. Help me to love and offer reconciliation to those I struggle with. Give me a heart of prayer and compassion; I want to serve Your people with grace and peace. Amen

A Prayer to Rejoice in Differences

Loving Creator and Sustainer, help me to love You and love others, celebrating our variety of personalities whilst rejoicing in our shared love of You and Your Kingdom. You church is a marvellous revelation of Your wisdom, showcasing that Your grace is for everyone and that Your Spirit can beautifully connect anyone. Help me not to be hindered or intimidated by the differences I see in others, but encouraged that You have made us each uniquely in Your own image. Amen

5 Verses about Peace Between Believers

1

Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19

2 God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

1 Corinthians 14:33

3 Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace� And the God of love and peace will be with you

4

2 Corinthians 13:11

He himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. Ephesians 2:14-15

5

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord� Hebrews 12:14

MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO DO WHAT

leads to peace

AND TO

mutual edification.

ROMANS 14:19

Prayers for those who seek peace in the storms

God of the Waves

Irish missionary Amy Carmichael knew what it was to live through life’s storms: poverty, illness, chronic pain, persecution. Having weathered so many hardships with God’s help, she reflected, “God is the God of the waves and the billows, and they are still His when they come over us; again and again we have proved that the overwhelming thing does not overwhelm ”

Perhaps Peter had a similar revelation when he stepped out of his fishing boat and onto the stormy sea� Imagine being there with him, blown about by the wind, buffeted by huge waves and blinded by stinging spray (SEE MATTHEW 14:24). And then to see Jesus calmly walking towards you— on the same swirling waters that threaten to hurl you to the depths (V. 25)�

If the storm terrified Peter, how much more awesome Jesus must have suddenly seemed—He who couldn’t be touched by it. The overwhelming storm could not overwhelm its Creator. Even when Peter then began to sink beneath the waves, Jesus “reached out his hand and caught him” (V. 31)�

If you are facing storms which feel far too big to handle, set your gaze instead on Jesus, to whom they must all submit. You’ll find the courage, peace and perseverance for today’s challenges in His presence. Even if you feel you are sinking, know that Jesus stands ready to hold you so that you will not be overcome�

Chris Wale

A Prayer for Peace in the Storm

Jesus, You reign over every thunderstorm and wave I endure. The floods of life are threatening to wipe out my peace, my joy and my witness for You. But You are Lord over everything. Thank You for not allowing me to sink. May I feel Your hand holding me tightly today. Lord God, You are in complete control. I put my trust in You again today. Flood my heart with Your peace. Amen

A Prayer to Keep Clinging to Christ

Heavenly Father, sometimes my soul is like a turbulent sea. I can’t seem to find my balance, so I worry and stumble. Keep me clinging to those wonderful words Jesus once spoke to the storm surrounding His disciples, “Quiet, be still.” For my striving and straining melt away as I let Him hold me through every trial. He is here, so I need not fear. Amen

A Prayer to Hear the Lord in Trials

Heavenly Father, thank You that Your voice is over the waters. When all I hear are mighty torrents of chaos and disaster around me, speak Lord, speak. Help me to hear Your voice and follow where You lead. I cannot handle these things alone; but I thank You that I don’t need to. Thank You for being my peace, even in chaos. Amen

6 Times in Scripture When Those in Trials

Experienced God’s Nearness

1

When Jacob Went on the Run: “When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.’ He was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.’” Genesis 28:16-17

2

When Gideon Was Hiding from the Midianites in a Winepress: “When Gideon realised that it was the angel of the Lord, he exclaimed, ‘Alas, Sovereign Lord! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.’ So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace�” Judges 6:22-24

3

When David and His Men’s Families Were Taken Captive: “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God�” 1 Samuel 30:6

4

When God’s People Were Rebuilding the Temple After Exile: “‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty�” Haggai 2:9

5 When the Disciples Were Hiding After Jesus’ Death: “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’” John 20:19

6

When Paul Was on Trial for His Faith: “At my first defence, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.” 2 Timothy 4:16-17

EVEN THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE DARKEST VALLEY, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL,

for youwithareme.

PSALM 23:4

Prayers for those who seek peace for their circumstances

God’s Presence in our Present

The stunning clifftop scenery tugged at my heart. I was visiting Guernsey, my island home before God called my husband to serve His church in England. If only we had stayed, I thought. How I miss living near Mum. And my job had such potential.

Glancing back at the familiar beauty I suddenly sensed God say: “Stop looking back and concentrate on where you’re going.” The message struck me deeply, reminding me of Lot’s wife. Convicted of my disgruntlement, I turned to her story�

Married to Abraham’s nephew, Lot’s wife lived in Sodom, which was doomed for destruction because of the people’s wickedness (GENESIS 19:13). But God assured her family that He’d save them. He asked only that they flee without looking back (V. 17), as any distraction could end in catastrophe. And sadly, it did. Despite God’s warnings, she looked back while her family raced ahead, and “she became a pillar of salt” (V. 26)�

Comparing my life with the past had robbed me of God’s peace in my present� Perhaps you relate to those yearnings, such as for past homes, health, careers or responsibilities. But as we respond to God’s gentle warnings not to look back, we’re protected, spiritually speaking, from becoming like pillars of salt. As we focus on His presence today, His love, guidance and purpose will restore peace to our soul

Anne Le Tissier

A Prayer to Know God’s Presence

Jesus, thank You for promising to be with me in every changing season of life. I thank You for the good gifts of the past, but I ask You to open my heart to Your purposes for me now. However my life may change, and whatever seasons I endure, be here to hold my hand and guide me through it all. Amen

A Prayer to Avoid Seeking Lasting Peace in Circumstances

My Prince of Peace, thank You that I do not need to rely on this changeable world to bring me peace. I praise You that whatever happens, You are not surprised, shaken or subdued; I can trust You with everything. Forgive me for trying to build foundations on the shifting sands of this world; You alone, Jesus, are my solid Rock. Help me to build my life on Your Word. Amen

A Prayer for Peace in Uncertainty

Heavenly Father, when chaos reigns, uncertainties abound and I can’t see a way forward, may my mind turn to You, my ever-present help in trouble. You are my ruler, my champion and my hope. Lord, grant me peace when I don’t know what to do, for You always see the way ahead. Guide me through the challenges and changes I face. Amen

6 Promises about God’s Presence from His Word

1

You are my hiding-place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance� Psalm 32:7

2

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there� Psalm 139:7-8

3

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”)�

Matthew 1:23

4

Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age�

Matthew 28:20

5

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5

6

I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them� They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God�”

Revelation 21:3

SURELY I

am with you always,

TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE.

MATTHEW 28:20

Prayers for those who seek peace in a time of waiting

Willing to Wait

Waiting can be a culprit in stealing our peace. According to computer scientist Ramesh Sitaraman, few things “inspire universal frustration and ire” in internet users as waiting for a sluggish web browser to load. His research says that we’re willing to wait an average of two seconds for an online video to load. After five seconds, the abandonment rate is about twenty- five percent, and after ten seconds, half of the users desert their efforts. We’re certainly an impatient bunch!

James encouraged believers in Jesus to not abandon Him while they were waiting for His second coming. Christ’s return would motivate them to stand firm in the face of suffering and to love and honour one another (JAMES 5:7–10). James used the example of the farmer to make his point. Like the farmer, who waited patiently for “autumn and spring rains” (V. 7) and for the land to yield its valuable crop, James encouraged believers to be patient under oppression until Jesus returned. And when He returned, He would right every wrong and bring shalom, peace.

Sometimes, we’re tempted to forsake Jesus while we wait for Him. But as we wait, let’s “keep watch” (MATTHEW 24:42), remain faithful (25:14–30) and live out His character and ways (COLOSSIANS 3:12). Though we don’t know when Jesus will return, let’s wait patiently for Him, as long as it takes.

Marvin Williams

A Prayer to Trust Times of Waiting to the Lord

Jesus, thank You that Your peace is not fragile or temporary. I can depend upon it because I can depend upon You. Always. Even as I wait for answers to prayer, for the end of trials, for rescue from danger, for reassurance in my doubts—even in those times, I know You are here with me. And You are always worth the wait. Bless me in my waiting, Lord, and fill me with the comfort of Your Spirit. Amen

A Prayer Seeking Jesus’ Return

Jesus, I’ll wait for You. Though the world is dark and filled with pain, suffering, injustice and uncertainty, I’ll wait for You. Though I don’t know the day or the time, I’ll wait for You. Come, Lord Jesus, come. My hope is in Your return; my peace is Your promise. Hold me close while I wait for You. In Your mighty Name. Amen

A Prayer for Those Who Don’t Know What to Pray

Father in Heaven, thank You for Your Spirit that intercedes on my behalf even when I’m uncertain of what or how to pray. Some days, I just don’t have the words for my feelings. While I wait for change, I cry out to You. With wordless groans, I put my soul in Your hands. Soothe me, comfort me and give words of praise to my mouth. Amen

6 Encouragements During Times of Waiting

1

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living� Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord� Psalm 27:13-14

2

We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

Romans 8:23

3

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose�

Romans 8:28

4

5

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful� Hebrews 10:23

“All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures for ever�” And this is the word that was preached to you�

1 Peter 1:24-25

6

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance�

2 Peter 3:9

WAIT FOR THE LORD;

be strong and take heart

AND WAIT FOR THE LORD.

PSALM 27:14

Prayers for those who seek peace at night

Sweet Rest

Try as we might—tossing, turning, fluffing the pillows, pounding the pillows—sometimes we just can’t fall asleep. After offering some good suggestions on how to get a better night’s sleep, a news article concluded that there really is no “right way” to sleep�

There are numerous reasons why sleep eludes us, many of which we can’t do much about. But sometimes unwanted wakefulness is caused by anxious thoughts, worry or guilt. It’s then that the example of David in Psalm 4 can help.

It may have been while fleeing for his life that David cried out to God, “Give me relief from my distress” (PSALM 4:1). After this deeply personal plea, David turned from himself and toward his hearers. “When you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent,” he urged (V. 4). Doing so places the focus on God and not on our fears, which naturally led to David’s conclusion: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (V. 8)�

David’s ancient song helps us respond to whatever threatens us— especially during long, fearful nights� Give all your concerns and fears to God. Even in the dark, you can leave them all with Him.

Adapted from the Our Daily Bread article “Sleep Stealers” by Tim Gustafson

A Prayer for Peaceful Sleep

Heavenly Father, thank You that as I try to sleep at night, You never stop watching over me. You stay awake to guard and bless me. May this wonderful truth help me drift into peaceful sleep each night. I know how important it is to rest at the end of each day; and to wake knowing You are with me, with fresh mercy every morning. Fill my nights with the reassurance of Your love and presence. Amen

A Prayer to Entrust Worry to the Lord

Dear God, thank You for loving me. Help me to focus on Your faithfulness instead of the worries of this life, especially at night. When anxiety plagues my mind, help me to call on You and to surrender every single fear to Your loving care. Dear Father, thank You for Your power and presence. Would You please help me to trust You with my night, with my day, with my life? Amen

A Prayer for Rest

Father in heaven, thank You for rest. Help me to come to You when my fears and problems threaten to overwhelm me. Thank You that I never have to carry any burden on my own. Please calm the restlessness of my mind; still the thoughts which worry and perplex me. Help me to be still and rest in the fortress of Your love. Amen

Prayer List

                

IN PEACE I WILL LIE DOWN AND SLEEP, FOR YOU ALONE, LORD,

make me dwell in safety.

PSALM 4:8

Draw near to the heart of God each night

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HE HEARS US Prayers for Peace

“Prince of Peace”. Consider for a moment what it means for Jesus to be given this title. He doesn’t just give peace; He is peace. As a Royal Prince, peace is the hallmark of His rule and His presence for His people. The Apostle Paul also describes peace in this way, writing to the church at Colossae, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (COLOSSIANS 3:15).

We can submit to Christ’s peace, like servants before their master. Rather than letting our fears and anxieties rule our hearts, we can choose peace; for Christ, who has secured us as part of His kingdom, is our Ruler.

Our prayer is that this booklet of devotions, prayers and encouragement will help you to entrust your heart to the Lord, submit to the rule of the Prince of Peace and receive His gift of peace which is the birthright of all His people.

For information on our resources, visit ourdailybread.org . Alternatively, please contact the office nearest to you from the list below, or go to ourdailybread.org/locations for the complete list of offices.

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Many people, making even the smallest of donations, enable Our Daily Bread Ministries to reach others with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible. We are not funded or endowed by any group or denomination.