We come before the throne of grace with heavy hearts, lifting up the nations of the United States and Iran, and all those affected by the specter of war. The Scriptures remind us in Psalm 34:14 to "Depart from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it." We join our voices with the angels in heaven, crying out for peace, not as the world gives, but as the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, offers.
Father God, we pray for the leaders of these nations, that You would grant them wisdom and discernment. Proverbs 21:1 tells us, "The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires." We ask that You turn their hearts toward peace, that they may seek Your will above all else. Let diplomacy and understanding prevail over hostility and strife.
We lift up the soldiers on all sides of this conflict, those who are suffering in body, mind, and spirit. We remember the words of Matthew 26:52, where Jesus said, "Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword." Lord, we pray for their protection, that You would be a shield around them. Comfort those who are afraid, heal those who are wounded, and bring hope to those who feel despair. Surround them with Your presence, and let them know that You are near to the brokenhearted.
For the families of the fallen, we ask for Your comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding. We mourn with those who mourn, and we grieve with those who grieve. In John 14:27, Jesus promised, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful." Father, let this promise be a balm to their wounded hearts. Provide for the fatherless, the widows, and the widowers, as You have commanded us in James 1:27, "Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."
Lord, we also pray for the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of this conflict. Protect them, provide for their needs, and let them see Your hand at work in their lives. We remember the words of Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Be their refuge, their strength, and their help in this time of trouble.
We rebuke the spirit of war and violence that seeks to divide and destroy. We stand on the promise of Isaiah 2:4, "He will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Let this prophecy be fulfilled in our time, Lord. Let the nations turn their weapons into tools of prosperity and peace.
We also take this moment to remind all who read this that peace with God is found only through Jesus Christ. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus, we urge you to do so today. Confess your sins, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9). It is only through Christ that we have access to the Father, and it is only through Him that true and lasting peace can be found.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy and protection. We thank You for hearing our prayers and for being a God who is close to the brokenhearted. We ask that You would move mightily in the hearts of men and women, turning them toward You and toward peace. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
