And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Col. 3:15 (ESV)
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)
Lord Jesus, we are thankful there’s no part of our being or story, no sphere of life or place in the universe, outside your interest and care. You are Creator and Sustainer, Redeemer and Restorer, King and Shepherd.
Today, we come to you as the Lord of Peace. Though you don’t always eliminate our storms, we’ll never experience a Christ-absent storm. Hear our prayers; grant us grace; increase our peace.
We pray for our hearts—new by the gospel, still in need of constant renewal. Jesus, you have won and washed our hearts. You indwell us, and one Day we will dwell with you in perfect wholeness. Until then, we are weaker than we wish, plagued with unbelief and insecurities, and are not as free and joyful as you intend. Jesus, keep us thirsty for you, humble before you, and satisfied in you. Be our peace, wisdom, and hope.
We pray peace for our various relationships, beginning with our friendships. Forgive us for presuming upon our friendships. Like any garden, the garden of friendship needs weeding and fertilizer, time and care. Where busyness, self-absorption, and distance have eroded good friendships, forgive us and free us to pursue our friends. A truly peaceful life will never be a friendless life. We need each other, all the way Home.
And of course, Satan doesn’t want any marriage to thrive, or even survive. Because this relationship is meant to reveal your great love for your own Bride, the church. Renew and refresh our marriages. Replace strife, pettiness, and indifference with peace, kindness, and encouragement.
Lastly, Jesus, as your peace rules in our hearts, free us to bring a non-anxious presence wherever we live, work, and play. Tame our triggers. Help us see what you see in others. In union with you, we want to live as peacemakers. So very Amen we pray, in your all beautiful and all grace-full name.