To say the events of the past few years have been unnerving is an understatement. We may feel that all too familiar knot in our stomach when we stumble across an article on social media or see something unsettling on the news. Although we may know that Jesus is our Prince of Peace, at the moment, anxiety can wrack our nerves. And we may need to turn to a prayer for peace or Scripture on peace to settle our stress.
In this article, we’ll explore what the Bible has to say about peace, and we’ll include some calming prayers for peace to help you when you feel most vulnerable and afraid.
What Does the Bible Say about Peace?
Considering peace exists in the lineup of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), we can hazard a guess that God values peace, enough to include it in one of his titles. Although we can’t cover every Bible verse on peace, we can highlight a few that stand out.
2 Corinthians 13:11: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”
The Bible calls us to live in peace, especially within the body of Christ. We need to celebrate the unique gifts God has given us and not allow ourselves to be divided.
Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
We need to go to the Lord in prayer. We all experience worry from time to time. Even Jesus sweat droplets of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. But during those moments, he prayed. And we ought to do the same.
2 Thessalonians 3:16: “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
Peace only comes from God. We pray that he will fill us with it, and the Holy Spirit often gives us peace when we undergo difficult circumstances.
Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Notice the phrasing “rule in your hearts.” We can either allow fear or peace to govern our days (see the verse below). By taking up our cross daily, we ask God to give us peace, even when circumstances don’t go as planned.
Romans 8:6: “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
We are to put to death any part of the old ways of our lives. A mind governed by the flesh (by sin) dwells in fear, in worry, in anxiety. But a mind led by the Spirit experiences peace, even during trials.
Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
In every instance, peace has positive connotations. God wants peace to rule in our hearts. He does not want us to live in a spirit of fear. Such a spirit exhausts us physically, mentally, and spiritually. Below we’ve compiled some prayers for peace to help renew your mindset.
For some additional Bible verses on peace, check out this great article here.
For some additional prayers for peace, I highly recommend checking out this Crosswalk article, this article on Christianity.com, and this article from BibleStudyTools.com.
Prayers for the World
Father, thank you for speaking to us through the prophets of old. We stand amazed as we look back to the promises You made and have kept. We look forward to the day when Jesus, our true Prince of Peace sets us His rule upon the earth. Until then, may we keep our eyes on You. Amen. —Linda Gray
Jesus, as I watch the news, I find my spirit grow uneasy inside of me. Help remind me that you have a plan, no matter what appears in my news feed. Though the earth may give way, you will not. God, I pray for the world. Grant that your peace can fill the hearts of men and that we can see one another as being made in your image and likeness. That we all have value and worth. Amen.
Prayers for Peace of Mind
God, help me untangle any lie I’m believing and replace it with Your life-giving truth. Help me set my mind on things that are of You: Pure. Lovely. Admirable. Praiseworthy. Lies are damaging and defeating, so I will not allow them to hijack my mind or hinder my heart. With Your powerful truth in me, I am set free. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. —Lysa Terkeurst
Heavenly Father, I will admit that more than once today I have felt uneasiness and trepidation. Although I know intuitively that you have the whole wide world in your hands, as children love to sing, the 18-inch journey from my mind to heart can often be a long and arduous one. Grant me peace of mind and serenity today that I know can only come from you. Amen.
Dear Lord, I am stressed. I know I need a change in my life, and I am ready for the prescription for peace that only You can offer. Fill me today with a dose of serenity that I cannot find anywhere else but in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen. —Tracie Miles
Prayers for Unity
Father, help me see ways I can bring unity and peace in Your Name today. Fill me with Your love and grace in the midst of drama. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. —Cindy Bultema
Jesus, you have created each of us to be unique and different. You have given us many gifts, abilities, and dispositions, and we praise you for your handiwork, creativity, and intentionality. I fear that sometimes we allow what makes us different to divide us. Remind us that we all make up one body of Christ. And that when one part hurts, we hurt right alongside it. Help us to be unified under one purpose, and one name: Jesus Christ. Amen.
Short Prayers for Peace
Dear Lord, help me keep sight of Your goodness in the brokenness of this world. I realize now more than ever I must keep my eyes fixed on You and the Truth of Your Word. Thank You for the peace You give me. I want my security to be found in You — my unchanging, undeniably good and unquestionably loving God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. —Lysa Terkeurst
Dear God, as my children play, the piles of laundry and dishes await my attention and the deadlines loom, help me keep my mind stayed on You. Perfect peace is found in Your presence, and it’s where I long to be. Continue to guide me in Your truth, no matter what’s going on around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. —Tracie Braylock
Father, we live in a world where peace is almost a foreign word. But in reading Your Word we find the peace that passes understanding and we can rely on You to see us through whatever our days may hold. Thank You for being our Peace in all the uncertainties. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. —Paris Renae
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Hope Bolinger is an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, book editor for hire, and the author of almost 30 books. More than 1500 of her works have been featured in various publications. Check out her books at hopebolinger.com for clean books in most genres, great for adults and kids. Check out her editing profile at Reedsy.com to find out about hiring her for your next book project.