An Advent Prayer of Peace

Lord, our Prince of Peace, whose government and peace will never end, we worship You in prayer this fourth week of Advent. As Your word says, You stand and shepherd Your flock in Your strength, in the majesty of Your name. And we will live securely, for then Your greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And You will be our peace.

Help us, Lord, hold onto that promise and the truth of Your peace, because we live in a world that is filled with conflict, unrest, and wars that rage throughout mankind—physically, verbally, and mentally. We understand the lyrics in the Christmas song:

"‘There is no peace on Earth,’ I said

For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on Earth, good will to men.”

So many don’t know where to find peace. Yet, Your Son, Jesus, came to this earth to show and tell us that we can have peace in You. Here on earth, we will have many trials and sorrows. But we can take heart because He has overcome the world.

Jesus, while on this earth, You left us with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace You give is a gift the world cannot give. So, we must choose not to be troubled or afraid in whatever trials we face and remember the peace You freely give us. We anticipate Your coming soon because Christ himself has brought peace to us. May we live the reality that as believers, we feel, experience, and live out the peace that passes all understanding. Lord, You instruct us to search for peace and work to maintain it.

Thank You, our Savior, for being our song of suffering and for being our Messiah, the Prince of Peace, for You have come, Emmanuel, and will come again! This week and all the days of our lives ahead, we will let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts. For as members of one body, we are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Oh, we have so much to thank you for, Jesus. Happy Birthday and we love you.

Amen.

Prayer by Beth Hildebrand

(Bible passages referenced: Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:4-5, Romans 3:17, John 16:33, John 14:27, Ephesians 2:14, 1 Peter 3:11, Colossians 3:15)