The current days have been dark amidst the recent war on Ukraine. Throughout different time eras, when wars have arisen, people frantically look for comfort. World War I, World War II, and other wars have left the world shaken and individuals desire peace, safety, and security. The comfort that we seek can only be found in talking with God in prayer, reading the Bible, and meditating on His Word. During these dark times, we need prayers for peace. Here are five prayers for peace amid times of war.
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1. Peace for the World
When wars break out, we need to pray for peace for the entire world. An example for prayers of peace amid times of war could be: “Dear Lord, please help peace to come upon the earth. Bring lasting peace upon the shores of every continent of the world. I know you can do all things and that nothing is too hard for you. I ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
It is hard to find peace amid times of war, but our prayers can make a difference. God hears every prayer we pray, and every prayer matters because God isn't distant from His children's pleas. During your times of prayer, pray for God to bring peace to the world. Jesus warns us that there will always be wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6-13); however, Jesus can still bring peace to the world. Just as there will be times for war, there will be times for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:8).
Ultimate peace will come when God establishes the New Heaven and New Earth; therefore, we can eagerly look forward to that great day. Praying for peace for the world amid times of war is much needed. This not only creates healthy communication between God and His children, but it also allows the body of believers, the global Church, to unite. And if there is one thing the enemy hates, it's when God's children are bonded in prayer to God, looking to Jesus for how to love others well, even amid the chaos of war.
Even if you feel your prayers are not being answered right away, keep praying! God is working!
2. Peace for Specific Locations
A second prayer for peace amid times of war is to pray for specific locations. Exact prayers are great because they can show us more precisely when God answers our prayers. In this current year of 2022, Ukraine was invaded by Russia; therefore, we should specifically pray for these countries. An example prayer could be, “Dear Jesus, please bring peace to Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine has been invaded by Russia, even though they did nothing wrong. They just want to have their freedom. Please help Russia to stop attacking Ukraine and to be at peace. Please fill the residents of Ukraine and Russia with the peace that only you can provide during this storm of life. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.”
Praying for exact locations, such as Ukraine and Russia, will ensure that your prayers are specific enough. In the future, there will be more wars and you can use the same example prayer, but replace the existing locations with the country, city, or state that is undergoing a time of war. Giving the specifics over to God is a sign of not only humility but genuine care as you take the time to specifically bring each location to mind.
3. Pray for Healing
A third prayer for peace amid times of war is to pray for healing. During war, many people are injured and many people die. It is important for us to pray for healing peace to come upon the people impacted by war. We should not only pray for their physical healing, but also for their emotional healing and spiritual healing. An example prayer could be, “Dear God, please grant peaceful healing to the people of Ukraine and Russia. Both sides have suffered injuries and death. Please give them healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Please keep them strong and steadfast in the peace of your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Amid times of war, hospitals, psychiatrists, and churches can be hard to find, which is why it is important for us to pray for healing for the people affected. Jesus is the King of miracles, making the impossible possible, so our prayer across the world can bring true healing to someone we have never met, someone who needed an impossible prayer answered.
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4. Peace in Our Hearts
Praying for peace in our hearts is another prayer we can pray amid times of war. Even if we are not being physically affected by the war, it can still affect us emotionally and spiritually. Meanwhile, we are also called to do what we can, whether through fundraisers, supporting on-the-ground missionaries, or creating prayer groups. During these times of war, we need to pray for God to grant us peace in our hearts, as well as direction and wisdom for how we can serve in the situation. Jesus tells us, “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).
Jesus has overcome the world, in which we can find great peace in His victory. An example of praying for peace in our hearts amid times of war could be, “Jesus, I am so weary and tired. All of the news about Ukraine and Russia has my heart weary. Please grant me peace in my heart and wisdom for my mind as I discover how I can aid those who are suffering. Help me to trust in you because you are my everlasting peace. Nothing is too hard for you, Lord. Please give me your peace today. Amen.”
God wants us to be vulnerable and raw in our prayers. It doesn’t bother God if we cry or yell because He knows our hearts and He loves us as His dearly beloved children. Peace is hard to find, especially amid times of war; however, Jesus can give us lasting peace in our hearts.
5. Peace in Our Minds
A fifth prayer we can pray for peace amid times of war is by praying for peace in our minds. This is similar to praying for peace in our hearts, but we also need to pray for peace in our thought patterns. Our hearts and minds are sometimes on the same page; however, when difficult situations arise, it's easy for those parts of us to fall out of sync. It is important for us to pray for God to fill our minds with His peace amid times of war. An example prayer could be, “God, please grant me peace, not only in my heart but also in my mind. I know deep in my heart that you have given me peace with your very presence and love, but I ask you to also give me peace in my mind. My mind is prone to anxious thoughts and worst-case scenarios. Please, Lord, calm my mind and give me your peace amid this time of war. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
God desires to give us peace of mind because He loves us. He doesn’t want our minds to be filled in a frantic frenzy. All we have to do is ask.
Trusting God
Times of war are scary for everyone, whether they are personally affected or not. The Lord knows these times of war are frightening and worrisome, but He invites us to come to Him and pour out our worries to Him (1 Peter 5:7). Don’t be afraid to pray big prayers, such as praying for peace for the world, prayers for peace in specific locations, prayers of healing, prayers of peace in your heart, and prayers of peace in your mind. All of these prayers are heard by God and He answers them according to His will (Romans 8:28).
It can be hard to trust God in the waiting, but this is what God calls us to do. Keep on trusting and keep on praying to God for peace. He hears every one of your prayers and not one prayer is wasted. Trust God in the process and He will answer your prayer in its proper time.
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Originally published Friday, 11 March 2022.
