A Prayer about the Surpassing Peace of God

Peace-bringing God,

We have all been there, 

whether in the waiting room 

praying for a good surgical outcome

or in a living room 

hearing of a teenager’s struggle with addiction

or in a conference room 

wondering if we’re about to get the axe…

in short, in a place that induces fear and anxiety.

In such places, we desperately need to know 

your peace, “the peace of God.” 

What is it like?

It is your peace. 

It belongs to you, and it characterizes you. 

Would the God who created the universe 

ever be found wringing his hands over what-if’s? 

We don’t think so. 

You are the all-knowing and all-powerful

Creator and Ruler of the universe.

It’s also a peace that surpasses all understanding. 

It is a puzzling peace, 

a seemingly impossible peace given the situation.

Finally, it is a peace that comes 

from being “in Christ Jesus.” 

It is the saving peace of knowing 

our foundation is sure and unshakeable. 

Oh, Father, wherever we are today, 

grant us your surpassing peace.

In Jesus’ peace-bringing name. Amen.

Read Philippians 4:4-9.

Friends, this prayer is an excerpt from my devotional From Recovery to Restoration: 60 Meditations for Finding Peace & Hope in Crisis. If you or someone you know is in crisis, be sure to check it out.