A Prayer About Peace

When turmoil engulfs me

MY GREAT SHEPHERD,

I feel as though I am at war these days, with bullets flying and chaos reigning. I’m not in great danger or under attack—not fearful for my safety or health—except, perhaps, mental and emotional. But life has become hectic. People are counting on me, so I feel obligated to come through for them. Add to that my regular responsibilities, and I’m always thinking of goals I should reach and tasks I should perform, often for church or another good cause. I need shelter in this storm, a refuge—I need rest and peace. Jesus, in your last words to your disciples, you promised to leave them with the gift of “peace of mind and heart.” You knew all the opposition and turmoil they would face and their doubts, questions, and fears. But in the middle of it all, they could have peace—calmness and serenity, knowing that you were in charge. Thank you for that promise to them and to me. Right now I ask for a sense of your presence and the calming assurance that all will be well.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27