“A PRAYER FOR PEACE OF MIND”
(Unless indicated, all Scriptures in this prayer are quoted from the New King James Version of the Holy Bible).
Father God, Creator of the universe and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Each day brings news of various troubles in the world that affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally, including natural or man-made disasters, war, climate change, terrorism, mass shootings, genocide, crime, epidemics, global pandemics, inflation, recession, and government shutdowns. Along with these issues of the world, some of us struggle with personal or family crises, such as job loss, loss of a family member, divorce, terminal illness, financial struggles, and victimization.
In the face of those issues that come in our world and personal lives, we need peace of mind that only Jesus Christ can provide. He gave us peace that the world cannot, so we shouldn’t let our hearts be troubled or afraid (John 14:27). He assures us in His word that He does not have thoughts of evil toward us. But thoughts of peace to give us a future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11). He promises to keep us in perfect peace if our minds stay focused on and trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). As we confidently trust Him to care for us, we need not fear bad news (Psalm 112:7, NLT). For that reason, we know that all things work for the good for those who love You (Romans 8:28). David, the psalmist, declares that You have laid up and prepared Your goodness for those who fear and trust in You (Psalm 31:19).
You even say in Your word that You will make all Your goodness and proclaim the name of the Lord pass before us (Exodus 33:19). Therefore, we should be anxious for nothing. But in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let our request be made known to You. And Your peace surpasses all understanding and will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). We’ll heed Jesus’ advice: ‘Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its things. Sufficient for the day is its trouble’ (Matthew 6:34). We give all our cares to You in Jesus’ name (1 Peter 5:7), trusting You to take care of the issues that come our way with Your goodness, and live each day rejoicing and being glad in the days You make for us (Psalm 118:24). You promise us that You are with us always, even to the end of age (Matthew 28:20).
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your goodness and peace of mind through Christ Jesus. As the Lord of peace, may You be with all of us and give us peace always and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16). Amen.—Kenneth Sullivan