Inner peace seems illusive at times. The consistent overflow of information and entertainment that bombards us, added to the fast-paced lifestyles we are pressured to lead, can put us on the edge of our sanity and keep us there. While we are living in this zone, it’s usually not a question of whether we are praying but how we are praying.
You Don’t Know What to Do
You’re Trying too Hard
You Question Your Value
Your To-Do List Runs Long
You Feel Overwhelmed
Someone You Love Is in Pain or Suffering Loss
You Feel Hopeless
When we’re under pressure, our tendency is to rush into God’s presence with our list of needs and wants. Instead of stopping first, acknowledging the Lord, and focusing on Him, we rush into His presence saying, “God, I need this, this, this, and this. And I need it now, and tomorrow, and the next day. If You could go ahead and get it done ahead of time, that would be even better.”
Sound familiar?
When we pray this way, it can depress us more than if we hadn’t prayed at all. Have you ever started talking to God about your problems and found yourself more overwhelmed than when you started? It’s because you’re focusing on your problems instead of focusing on God.
Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” When we slow down and begin our prayers with worship and adoration and thanksgiving to God, it does something inside of us. There is a shift of focus from our needs to our God, which brings everything into clearer perspective. In recognizing who God is, and who we are in comparison, our prayer time can be a time of deepening our relationship with Him.
As you read and pray these prayers for inner peace, my prayer is that your thoughts turn to the One who is bigger than all our fears and circumstances. He is our peace.
Pray for peace when you don't know what to do.
(James 1:4; 3:15-17)
Pray for peace when you're trying too hard.
Lord, I’ve been burning the candle at both ends—trying to be and do everything for everybody. I’ve been trying so hard to please You that I haven’t taken the time to lean on You as my source of strength. God I’m worn out. I want to rest in You. Guide me in what You have for me to do today. I don’t want to take one step without Your presence to lead and guide me. I acknowledge that I need You every hour of every day. Thank You for sending Jesus to not only be my Savior, but my counselor, friend, and guide. I rest in the knowledge that I am not alone on this journey of life.
(Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 11:28-30)
Pray for peace when you question your value.
(Psalm 139:14; Matthew 10:29-31; Hebrews 10:35)
Pray for peace when your to-do list runs long.
(Psalm 46:10; Matthew 6:25-34)
Pray for peace when you feel overwhelmed.
(Psalm 61; Psalm 139:5)
Pray for peace when someone you know is in pain or suffering loss.
(Romans 5:3-5; 8:28; Isaiah 43:18-19; Psalm 55:22)
Pray for peace when you feel hopeless.
(Psalm 3:2-6; 71:14; Romans 8:24-25; 1 Peter 5:6-7)