Forty Days of Prayer for Our Country- Day 16
Here is another prayer guide entry prepared by Dave Butts, chair of the National Prayer Committee and author of "If My People 2012" prayer guide.
Scripture:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." --John 16:33
Thought for the day:
Jesus often used words in ways that no one else would use them. For instance, in today's passage He puts together "peace" and "trouble." We would never put the two together. If we are having trouble, we think that our peace was gone. But Jesus has a much clearer perspective than our typical frantic thought process.
Jesus knew that as long as we live in this world, there will always be trouble. It might on an individual basis: our illnesses, relationships, finances, and so forth. Or it might be on a national platform: war, economic crisis, natural disasters, and so forth. It doesn't matter who you are or in what nation you live, you will have trouble.
The good news is that peace is possible in the midst of this trouble. This peace is not found in avoiding trouble, but in embracing the Prince of Peace. The peace Jesus speaks of is found in Him and is literally a commodity given to those who follow Him. It is intended to mark His followers. His disciples will be those who have experienced His peace in their own lives and who seek to bring that to the nation in which they live.
Jesus knew that as long as we live in this world, there will always be trouble. It might on an individual basis: our illnesses, relationships, finances, and so forth. Or it might be on a national platform: war, economic crisis, natural disasters, and so forth. It doesn't matter who you are or in what nation you live, you will have trouble.
The good news is that peace is possible in the midst of this trouble. This peace is not found in avoiding trouble, but in embracing the Prince of Peace. The peace Jesus speaks of is found in Him and is literally a commodity given to those who follow Him. It is intended to mark His followers. His disciples will be those who have experienced His peace in their own lives and who seek to bring that to the nation in which they live.
Prayer: by Dave Butts
Forgive me, Lord, when I walk in anxiety and stress, failing to allow Your peace to rule in my life. Breathe Your peace into my heart. Help me to bring that peace with me into every situation I face. Lord, may Your peace so pervade Your church in America that it begins to mark us a nation. We understand that we live in a time of troubles. You told us it would be that way. Help us in a miraculous way to experience Your peace in the midst of trouble.
Prayer Points for Today:
- Ask the Lord to fill you with His peace.
- Pray that you will be a person who brings the peace of Christ into the lives of others.
- Pray that the church in America will live in such a way that the peace of Christ comes into the councils of our nation.
Memory Verse for the Week:
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12
Challenge for Today:
Pray for this evening's Presidential Debate, that truth would be seen and heard and that the American public would be guided in discernment.
Challenge for Today:
Pray for this evening's Presidential Debate, that truth would be seen and heard and that the American public would be guided in discernment.
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