We look for peace when the heart is restless, when the night is short, when a conflict tears a home apart or when the world seems on fire. This page is for you if you need calm, for yourself or for others. The peace God gives differs from the world's: it is received by trusting him.
Prayers
An Evening Prayer to Sleep in Peace
Lord, the day is ending and I place in your hands everything that weighed on me. Thank you for what you have done, for your protection and for your faithfulness. Father, I leave my worries with you: they are too heavy for me to carry alone tonight. Guard my heart and my thoughts with your peace, which surpasses all understanding. Take away fear and restlessness, and grant me peaceful sleep. I lie down in trust, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. May your Spirit watch over me and over those I love. In Jesus' name, amen.
Psalm 4:8
A Prayer to Give My Worries to God
Father, my heart is troubled and my mind keeps spinning. I come to present to you what distresses me, and I choose not to keep it to myself. With thanksgiving, I ask for your peace. It is not the world's peace, which depends on outward calm, but the one Jesus gives. May your peace guard my heart and my thoughts in Christ Jesus. Teach me to rely on you, hour by hour. I hand over to you what I cannot control. Thank you for hearing me and acting in your wisdom. In Jesus' name, amen.
Philippians 4:6-7
A Prayer for Peace in the World
Lord, you see the wars, the violence and the wounded peoples. My heart is sad before so much suffering. Father, we pray for peace: touch the hearts of those who govern and inspire them to justice. Protect the innocent, comfort grieving families, support those who work for reconciliation. Where hatred reigns, let forgiveness grow. Begin with me: make me a peacemaker in my home, my work and my church. May your kingdom come. In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, amen.
Matthew 5:9
A prayer when anxiety overwhelms me
Father, my heart is racing and my thoughts will not stop spinning. I am afraid of what could happen, and I cannot calm myself. I come to you as I am. Lay your hand on my restless mind. Help me to breathe, to come back to the present moment and to remember that you are here. When dark thoughts return, remind me of your words of comfort. Lord, I do not have to understand everything or solve everything tonight. I place each worry in your hands, one after the other. And if I need help from those around me, give me the humility to ask for it. May your presence comfort me and quiet my soul. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Psalm 94:19
A prayer to find peace after bad news
Lord, I have received news that has shaken me, and I feel stunned. I do not know what to think, or what to say to you. So I simply tell you that I need you. Hold me up when my legs tremble and my heart tightens. Give me your peace, the kind that does not depend on circumstances, and that guards my mind when everything wavers. Help me not to make a hasty decision under the weight of emotion. Surround me with people who listen to me and support me. Father, I cannot see what comes next, but you know it. I trust in you today, and tomorrow too. In the name of Jesus, amen.
John 14:27
A prayer to live at peace with someone
Father, there is a strained relationship in my life that takes a lot of my energy. Every time I think about it, my heart closes a little more. I want to pursue peace, even though it is not easy. Show me what depends on me: a word to say, a gesture to make, a forgiveness to grant, or simply a silence to keep. Free me from the need to be right at all costs. I pray for this person: bless them and touch their heart as you touch mine. If reconciliation is not possible right away, keep my heart from holding a grudge. Lord, make me someone who sows peace around them. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Hebrews 12:14
Perfect peace, mind stayed on him
« You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. »
Isaiah 26:3
I proclaim that God keeps me in perfect peace because my mind is stayed on him and I trust in him.
Let the peace of God rule
« And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. »
Colossians 3:15
I declare that the peace of God rules in my heart, to which I was called in one body, and I choose thankfulness in every situation.
The Prince of Peace reigns
« For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. »
Isaiah 9:6
I declare that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, reigns over my life, and his government of peace increases in every area I surrender to him.
I have peace in him
« These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. »
John 16:33
I proclaim that in Jesus I have peace, and though I face tribulation in this world, I am of good cheer, for he has overcome the world.