Pearls of Prayer for ParentsSmakprov

Pearls of Peace

If you could describe your world right now, in one word, what would it be?  Our busier days include juggling schedules, meals, grades, emotions, science projects, dates, finances, finals … you know those mental lists with all the details.  There’s a certain longing for calmness and deep residing peace.

Too often, fears and worries sneak into our thoughts and prayers, especially when it comes to our children.  God is polite and waits to be asked, but when invited into our world, He brings His power and won’t leave you floundering in chaos. All we have to do is pray in pursuit of peace, with hopes for contentment, rest, and serenity.  

One day during my quiet time, I read Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”  Afterward, though, I was left with a mile-long “to-do” list. I quickly invited the Lord to put His order on my task list.  The next thing I knew, I sensed the Lord urging me to put on my running shoes.  I stubbornly complied and tied my laces, thinking I couldn’t afford the time.    

While running, God taught me His peace; in the time I was away, I let Him prioritize each to-do item.  He brought clarity to my confusion, contentment to my wanting, and a rested rhythm to my list of things to do.  When I simply asked for His help, He showed up to navigate all the things that weighed me down. 

Peace.  It’s what we often long for, and it can be felt in so many beneficial ways only God knows about.  I want this kind of overall mental wellness and spiritual fitness for my children, too.  When you receive this kind of peace, you can say from the depths of our souls, “it is well with my soul.”  You can indeed experience residing peace in all circumstances.

Prayer:  Father, let us become more aware of your presence in our lives.  You are not a God of confusion or chaos.  Bring order to the mess of our lives today.  We pray for peace over our marriages, agendas, and for our children.  We are a people of choice and we choose your peace over fear, your contentment over our unrest, and your wholeness in places where we need healing.  We pray for the peace that passes our understanding and leaves our souls at rest in you alone.  Amen.