We join you in lifting this heartfelt desire for peace and safety before our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, and we thank you for coming in His name, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
We hear your longing for a world without recalls, altercations, disagreements, sickness, harm, and sad news, and for each day to be filled with what is positive and good. That desire reflects the peace and wholeness God originally intended for His creation and that our hearts long for. At the same time we live in a fallen world where sin has brought imperfection, conflict, sickness and death, and Jesus Himself told us in John 16:33, In the world you have trouble; but cheer up. I have overcome the world. We cannot expect this present world to be free from all trouble, but we can bring every concern to God and trust His sovereign care over all things.
Scripture encourages us in Philippians 4:6-7, In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. We are also reminded in Romans 8:28, We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. Even when there is difficult news, recalls, or illness, God remains our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble as Psalm 46:1 tells us, and He promises perfect peace to those whose minds are steadfast on Him as Isaiah 26:3 says, You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
We pray together with you.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ and lay this request before Your throne of grace. We ask for Your hand of protection and mercy over our communities, over those who produce our food and drink and vehicles, that You would grant wisdom, diligence and integrity to all who labor so that what is made would be safe and sound. We ask for Your peace to restrain anger and violence, to guard hearts from harming one another, and to bring reconciliation where there is disagreement. We ask for Your healing and comfort for the sick, Your protection for those in danger of arrest or harm, and Your comfort for those who mourn. Lord, guard our minds from being overwhelmed by negative news and help us to fix our eyes on what is true and good and on the hope of the gospel, which is positive news every day. We know that in this life we will face trials, but we trust that You are working all things for good and that one day You will wipe away every tear and there will be no more death or sorrow as Revelation 21:4 promises. Until then, keep us in Your perfect peace and help us to be peacemakers, for Matthew 5:9 says, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Let Your will be done and let Your goodness be seen in our lives each day. We thank You that Your loving kindnesses never fail and Your mercies are new every morning as Lamentations 3:23 declares. In Jesus Christ's name we pray, amen.
We encourage you to continue to bring these daily concerns to the Lord with thanksgiving, trusting His care while also looking for the daily evidence of His goodness. Even when recalls or hard news come, we can choose to rejoice always and in everything give thanks as 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 teaches, not because every circumstance is good, but because God is good and His love endures. May the Lord fill your heart with His peace as you rest in Him.
