A Prayer for Peace

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As we watch conflict unfolding in the Middle East once again, our hearts break for those suffering on both sides of this strife as well as in the on-going war in Ukraine. The loss of any life is never a source of joy for the Lord. In Joshua 5:13-14, Joshua encounters what many believe is the pre-incarnate Jesus. When Joshua asks Him if He is for them or their foes, He says, “Neither. I am commander of the Lord’s Army, and I have now come.” God desires that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The Biblical Foundation of Peace

One key element of biblical peace is in John 14:27, where Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” This verse shows a type of peace that goes beyond what the world offers, marking it as a divine gift.

The Essence of Peace in Scripture

In Christianity, peace is both a personal experience and a communal promise. It’s seen as a legacy from Jesus, known as the Prince of Peace, who shared this calmness with his followers. This peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it’s a deep sense of well-being and security rooted in faith.

Key Aspects of Biblical Peace

Divine Assurance: We are encouraged to find comfort in the peace given by Jesus, which is different from temporary worldly comforts.
Inner Serenity: This peace affects one’s inner state, calming troubled hearts and easing fears.
Communal Harmony: We are not only recipients but also spreaders of peace, tasked with sharing it with others.

Scriptural Emphasis on Peace

Throughout the Bible, peace is highlighted as a primary goal of God’s relationship with humanity. Paul’s letters, for example, often begin and end with blessings of peace, showing its essential role in the lives of believers.

The biblical foundation of peace promises personal tranquility and calls for collective efforts to create harmony in the world. Pray with me this prayer for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine and solace for those innocents who are suffering.

A soldier's helmet sits on the ground in shadows reminding us to pray a prayer for peace.

Father God, my heart breaks for those involved in these wars in Israel and Ukraine. So much devastation and loss of life. I know it breaks Your heart as well. You are a defender of the innocent and downtrodden. I’m safe in my little western world, so I can’t imagine the fear and grief the innocent civilians are feeling right now.

I ask, Lord, that You would bring an end to these conflicts. Turn the hearts of the aggressors away from their unrighteous intents. Encounter them as you did Saul on the road to Damascus. There’s been enough loss of life, enough loss of homes and livelihoods. Bring peace, Lord, through Your Spirit.

Turn the hearts of the leaders to You. To me, that feels like an impossible task, but I know that nothing is impossible for You. And I know that You desire that none should perish, but that all would come to repentance. You care more about people’s hearts than a country’s borders. But you care about justice more than “rights.”

Your justice will be served. I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt. So while we wait, bring peace. Not only to these countries torn apart by war, but to the hearts of every innocent person suffering from the decisions and actions of others.

The world needs Jesus, Father. He is the Prince of Peace. And it’s in His name that I pray. Amen.

Now listen to a sample of this meditation from Abide on experiencing peace from the gospel of Christ.

Keep this prayer for peace nearby so whenever you begin to experience anxiety or fear over what’s happening in the world, you can still your heart with God’s Word. Abide is here for you 24/7. Check out all the features and then redeem this 25% off coupon for your premium subscription. You can experience the peace of Christ no matter what is happening around you.

For more prayers for peace:

Stephanie Reeves is a writer and the senior editor for Abide.