5 Prayers for Peace in a Volatile World

It isn't hard to see that our world is groveling for peace. The current state of affairs has most of us living on high alert. The tensions are high, and the concerns run deep. We can all see it. We feel it. And it is truly disheartening. It's as if we are all carrying around this heavy weight and burden of "what's next?"

The last three years have been bizarre, to say the least. With one crisis after another, we are witnessing a colossal shift in our country. We have become immersed in a rather dangerous time, leaving many plagued with stress, fear, and hostility.

Deuteronomy 3:16 tells us to be strong and of good courage. It continues, telling us not to be frightened as the Lord God is with us and will go before us, never leaving or forsaking us. This is a comforting verse we must cling to in these uncertain times.

But, like many, these past few days have caused me to pause and pray earnestly for our country. It's brought about a new level of disheartenment, as with each new tragedy. My momma's heart aches and groans for our children and their safety. I know yours does, too.

So as a body of believers, will you pause and pray with me for peace, God's sovereign hand upon our hurting land, and the safety of our precious children?

1. A Prayer for our Nation

Prince of Peace,

We come to You with heavy hearts seeking Your peace and comfort in the wake of yet another tragedy. Our nation is hurting and desperately needs hope, healing, restoration, and peace. Please draw close to those grieving, emotionally scarred, or touched by these events.

O God, we cry out to You in anguish during this spiritual warfare we are submerged in, asking that You lead and guide us. Help us be a light in a land that seems to be growing ever so dim. Give us words filled with grace and actions that promote peace to be Your faithful servants. Help us have merciful hearts that long to see others as You do and reach out with truth, love, and grace. Provide ways to reach out in our communities and chart pathways to move forward and spread peace. Amen.

Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. Psalm 33:8-12

2. A Prayer to be Peacemakers

Heavenly Father,

We are so thankful that you are a God of peace. We thank you for granting us peace when we seek You and find comfort in Your Word. Please remind us to lean on You when the world seems to fall away from You and strikes fear and anger within us. Temper our thoughts and refuel us with Your goodness to promote peace. Give us the voice to stand up for Truth and do so with grace and dignity. It is in Your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9

3. A Prayer for Courage

Dear God,

We are so thankful that You are in control and provide us safe refuge from the evil in this world. While we are told not to bend to fear, we know letting unsettling events rattle us is easy. Often, tragedies can even move us to the point of anger, especially when You, O God, are the brunt of blasphemy.

So, Lord, we invite You into our hearts. Help us control the many emotions and reactions that our flesh may sway towards and fill us with the spirit to stand firm in Your Truth and promises, knowing that You are with us. Remind us that You created us for such a time as this, and we must remain strong and courageous! Amen.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

4. A Prayer to Share God's Love with Non-Believers

Gracious God,

As our world slips further into a place of unknowns for us, we hope to be known and loved by You. Open our hearts to see others that are wrapped in distorted and unfortunate views of themselves, longing to feel accepted and valued, and give us compassion. Grant us opportunities to love those that are lost, and when the opportunity arises, help us boldly share our faith, planting a seed of hope.

Lord, have mercy on us when we fail You and choose not to see others the way You do. Soften our hearts and help us share the amazing and unfailing love You have with others. It's in Your Precious Name, I pray. Amen.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

5. A Prayer for Peace in Our Schools

O Lord,

We cry out to You as our hearts hurt and break for our country with the senseless and tragic events that have occurred within our schools' walls. These horrific acts, which seem relentless and arbitrary, yet a strategic attack from the evil one, bring us to a place of nothing but surrender to You, O God. We ask that you place a sturdy hedge of protection around our children while they are apart from us. Please bring awareness and ways we can show our children how to react and be safe in any situation that puts them in harm's way. Please guard their hearts and minds and draw them ever so close to You.

Lord, I thank you for the educational staff and teachers that provide a nurturing environment for our precious blessings. Please lead and guide them, equipping them to react boldly while lovingly providing Your protection for them.

Father, I lift up those bending to the forces of evil. Please foster a healthy mental state within our nation and bring peace and justice to those being controlled by unthinkable acts of violence.

We place our hearts and children in Your mighty hand, O God. We pray You to safeguard our schools and place a barrier of protection around our precious children.

I ask all these things in Your Mighty Name.

Amen.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12

Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy.  Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

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