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)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Col. 3:15 (ESV)
Dear Lord Jesus, there’s no part of our being or chapter in our stories, sphere of life or place in the universe, outside your interest and care. You are Creator and Sustainer, Redeemer and Restorer; and we praise, bless, and adore you. Because of your finished work, God is at peace with us and we have peace with God. Hallelujah!
Today we come to you, as the Lord of Peace, seeking a greater measure of peace about relationships and situations dear to us. Hear our prayers; grant us grace; increase our peace.
Lord Jesus, we pray for marriages in stress and under duress. Of course Satan doesn’t want our marriages to thrive, or even survive, because this relationship is meant to reveal your great love for your own Bride, the church. Of course we act foolishly in our marriages, for we wrongly assume the right human partner can “fill us up”. Forgive us and free us, O Lord. Bring ongoing repentance, refreshment, and renewal to our marriages.
We pray for our children—made for wonder, but prone to wander. Jesus, thank you for the privilege of parenthood. At times, nothing gives us greater delight; at other times, nothing brings us greater frustration. Thank you that our easiest children aren’t beyond the need of your grace; and that our more challenging children aren’t beyond the reach of your grace. Free us to parent as Abba Father parents us.
We pray for our hearts—already new by the gospel, but still broken by the fall and rebellious by choice. Lord Jesus, you have won and washed our hearts; you indwell us, and one Day we will dwell with you in perfect wholeness. Hallelujah!
But until then, we are tempt-able and seduce-able, capable of great nobility and great foolishness, those who do good and those who speak harm. Jesus, keep us thirsty for you, humble before you, and satisfied in you. So very Amen we pray, in your all beautiful and all grace-full name.
