Peace Can Give Direction
Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God, and peace is the foundation upon which effective prayer is built. In this blog post, we will explore how peace serves as the first pillar in prayer, supported by numerous Scriptures and a deep dive into what peace can look like in our prayer life and how God speaks through the peace that He gives us.
Peace from God
The Bible teaches that true peace comes from God, essential for a fruitful prayer life. Jesus says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This divine peace calms our hearts and minds, allowing us to communicate with God without fear or anxiety. It involves actively pursuing a relationship with God and aligning our hearts with His will, bringing a deeper sense of peace.
Achieving Peace Through Prayer
Philippians 4:6-7 emphasizes prayer’s role in achieving peace: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication 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 minds in Christ Jesus.” Bringing our worries to God in prayer grants us peace that transcends understanding, guarding our hearts and minds. We must approach the Lord with a thankful in ALL THINGS because that is what allows His peace to come over us. Jesus worried about nothing, instead, He was thankful for everything. This peace requires trusting God’s sovereignty over our 0wn desires. Ephesians 2:14 declares, “For Christ himself has brought us peace.” This is a constant declaration that Jesus as Lord brings greater peace.
Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 lists peace as a fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Living by the Spirit allows peace to flow NATURALLY, influencing our prayers. A peaceful heart, nurtured by the Holy Spirit, aligns our desires with God’s will. Peace is a confirmation of God’s voice in our lives and is cultivated through a close relationship with Him.
Peace in Relationships
Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, fostering peace in our relationships, which enhances our prayer life. Jesus even taught us in Matthew 5:23-24 to reconcile with others before offering our prayers to the Father. Being peacemakers reflects God’s love and creates an environment where our prayers can flourish. You will truly be surprised how much more peaceful your prayers will be when you are walking in unity with others.
Peace in Trusting God
Isaiah 26:3 reminds us, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Keeping our minds on God brings perfect peace. When your mind is focused on Jesus, it doesn’t allow any darkness to manipulate your trust in God. Satan can only manipulate what he has access to. If your mind’s eye is not fixed on the Lord, he has access. When we are trusting in God’s plan and timing because we only want what He wants, it transforms our prayers into powerful expressions of faith. Focusing on God’s promises fosters peace and trust, enabling us to pray with confidence and certainty.
Peace in Rest
Psalm 4:8 illustrates the peace from trusting God: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Trusting God allows us to rest peacefully, crucial for a healthy prayer life. Resting in God’s peace rejuvenates our spirit, making our prayers more vibrant and heartfelt. Trusting in God’s protection and provision assures us that our prayers are heard and answered according to His perfect will. There is a direct correlation between trust, peace, and rest. Having rest is the Father’s desire for us. The most chaotic times in life occur when we are operating from a place of restlessness. The most peaceful times in life occur when we operate from a place of restfulness.
Peace is the first pillar in prayer. It is a gift from God, achieved through prayer, a fruit of the Spirit, essential in our relationships, rooted in trusting God, and evident in our rest. By embracing peace, we can enhance our prayer life and deepen our connection with God.
Reflection
1. Have I felt the peace of the Lord in my personal prayer life?
2. What needs to change in my relationship with Jesus so I can freely accept His peace?
Pray this with me today…
Heavenly Father, I praise You for who You are. You are the Giver of Peace. I come before You with a grateful heart, seeking Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank You for the gift of peace that Jesus leaves with me. Help me to approach You in prayer with a calm heart and mind, free from fear and anxiety. Teach me, O Lord, to bring all my worries and requests to You in prayer, trusting that You will guard my heart and mind with Your peace. Holy Spirit, fill me with Your peace as a fruit of Your presence in my life. Let this peace influence my prayers, making them clear and purposeful. Lord, may I know Your good and perfect will by the peace that you bring me. Lead me also to be peacemaker in every one of my relationships, so that my conversation with You may be sincere and pure. Help me to trust in Your perfect plan and timing for all things, transforming my prayers into expressions of faith and reliance on Your sovereignty. Lord, like you did with David, grant me the peace that allows me to rest in Your safety, knowing that You are in complete control. Rejuvenate my spirit and make my prayers vibrant and heartfelt. I thank You, King Jesus, for being the source of peace and for the privilege of coming to You in prayer. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
