Preacher: Pastor Asher
Good morning, Church! Today, I want to talk to you about something we all desperately need in our lives, in our families, and in our world—peace.
The title of today’s message is “Pray for Peace.”
In a world full of chaos, conflict, and uncertainty, peace seems elusive. Many of us are battling personal storms—worrying about finances, relationships, health, or the future. Others are concerned about the state of our world, torn apart by division and violence. Yet, in the midst of all this, God offers us a kind of peace that transcends our circumstances.
First and foremost, we must understand that true peace comes only from God. In John 14:27, Jesus makes this beautiful promise:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The peace that Jesus offers is different from what the world offers. The world’s peace is often tied to our external situations—peace when everything is going right. But Christ offers us inner peace that remains, even when everything around us seems to be falling apart.
Why is prayer so crucial in finding peace? Because peace is not something we can generate on our own. It is a gift from God, and through prayer, we invite His presence, power, and peace into our lives. Philippians 4:6-7 gives us this powerful instruction: “Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When we pray, we cast our anxieties upon God, trusting that He is in control. In return, He gives us peace—not a peace that makes sense in the natural world but a peace that calms our spirits and guards our hearts and minds.
The Bible never promises that we won’t face difficulties. In fact, Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” While troubles are a part of life, the peace of God sustains us through every storm.
I know that many of you may be going through personal struggles—health issues, financial burdens, family conflicts, or emotional battles. But I encourage you today to take those struggles to the Lord in prayer. Even in the darkest valleys, God’s peace is available to you. David, in Psalm 23, writes, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” God’s presence is our source of peace.
As Christians, we are also called to be peacemakers in the world. Jesus says in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” There is so much division, violence, and unrest in the world today—wars between nations, racial tensions, political strife. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or helpless. But through prayer, we can be part of the solution.
In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul urges us to pray for all people, especially for those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Our prayers can bring change, not just in our personal lives but in our communities and nations.
Let’s take time to pray for peace in our world—for leaders to have wisdom and discernment, for the end of violence and division, and for God’s love to reign.
We also need to pray for peace in our relationships. In Colossians 3:13-15, we are reminded to “bear with each other and forgive one another… And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”
Many of us are carrying burdens of unresolved conflict—broken relationships with family, friends, or coworkers. If we are to truly experience the peace of God, we must also seek peace with one another. That means forgiveness, humility, and love. Through prayer, ask God to help you restore relationships and live in harmony with those around you.
So how do we make prayer for peace a reality in our daily lives? Here are a few practical steps:
Church, the peace of God is available to every one of us. But we must seek it. We must pray for it. We must allow it to transform our hearts and minds. As we pray for peace, both personally and globally, we align ourselves with God’s will and invite His healing into our lives and the world.
Jesus said in John 14:27, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” Today, I encourage you to cast your cares on Him and trust in His perfect peace. Let us be a church that prays for peace in every area of life and believes that God will bring it.
Let’s pray together now for His peace to rule in our hearts, our homes, and our world. Amen
