Peace Through Prayer
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, there are difficulties in this world that make it hard to feel comfortable and content. Please help us to trust you and come to you with our struggles. Help us believe to our core that you love us and always know what is best for us.
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 4:6-7 (NIV)
REFLECT:
I am a parent. Something I have learned as a parent is that there is nothing worse than to see my child hurting. The nature of the pain is irrelevant, when my child hurts, I hurt. When those times arise it can be easy to feel lost and hopeless, fearing the pain will last forever. If all I had was my human thoughts and abilities, it would be likely much of my time would be spent despairing and anxious. Thankfully I know Jesus and have developed a relationship with him in recent years. Knowing him, and being able to talk to him has changed my experience with a hurting child.
When times are difficult, such as when my daughter is struggling with something, having Jesus to take my worries to brings me peace. With Jesus I know I don’t have to have all the answers, and I can trust that He knows what is needed and will provide. That doesn’t necessarily mean I pray for what I want and get a response how I want it when I want it, but I have peace knowing that the Creator of the universe is with me and for me. I may not understand His purpose, but I know His purpose is good.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s still difficult to see my daughter hurting. I don’t believe any amount of faith will make that go away, nor should it. But the peace I have when I take my concerns to God is a wonderful thing. Accept Jesus as your savior and gain an eternal partner who loves and cares for you perfectly.
APPLY:
Anxious? Concerned? Afraid? Pray. That’s it. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just say what’s on your mind and ask for what you want. God LOVES to hear from us. Feel free to pray as often as you want. The more the better!
CLOSING PRAYER:
Thank you Jesus for sacrificing yourself to pave a way for each of us to spend eternity with you. Thank you for caring about us and wanting to spend time with each of us every day.