“Praying for Peace”
Jesus said, “My peace I leave with you.” What did he mean and how could that make a difference in your life today? As you look around, you’ll notice lots and lots of things, but genuine peace isn’t one of them. People are worried about a variety of things.
It’s very sad, surveys reveal most high school students are afraid of attacks within their school. Of course, many fear the future because this present day isn’t very promising. Did Jesus really mean what He said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do let your heart be troubled and DO NOT BE AFRAID.” So, what do we do when we’re overcome by things we can’t control?
At one time or another, we have all experienced fear, anxiety, and worry. For some, it’s a condition that’s serious and requires professional help. But for many of us, it’s a condition of the heart and one that God talks about frequently in the scriptures. God wants to provide His unchanging peace to every one of us who struggles. Philippians 4:6-7 teaches us 4 kinds of prayer that will usher God’s peace into our lives.
“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.” The writer first commands us to not worry or about anything. Easier said than done, right? It will take CONSCIOUS EFFORT and practice not to worry!
Paul teaches us to take the things making us anxious and put them into God’s hands. That’s first (Prayer). It will be helpful to develop a ritual of when you first get up in the morning (before looking at your phone or anything else) to turn your thoughts upon God. Quote a Bible verse from memory or read a short passage from your Bible. Focus your mind upon the Lord before thinking about anything else. A prayer of PETITION is recognizing your desperate need for God. Tell God you can’t handle this situation and it’s hard not to worry about it. This is our way of acknowledging that we can’t provide for ourselves and that He is the One in control.
Thirdly, take that which you are struggling with to God with THANKSGIVING. Thank Him for the times past when you were in need and He answered your prayers. Give Him praise acknowledging and believing the solution to the problem is in His hands. And lastly, make your REQUESTS known to Him. Be specific – if it’s a health crisis, ask for His help in securing the right doctor. Whatever the need, spell it out and here’s why. When we don’t pray specifically, we can’t say for certain if God answered this prayer or another one. PRAY for PEACE, pray SPECIFICALLY, and EXPECTANTLY.
Pastor Carnes
