Using Scripture to Guide Prayers for Peace and Calm
Using Scripture to Guide Prayers for Peace and Calm
The Bible provides guidance on praying for peace and calm, emphasizing God's role as the author of peace [1]. Jeremiah 29:7 instructs believers to "seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yahweh for it; for in its peace you shall have peace" [2]. This passage highlights the importance of praying for the well-being of one's community.
Scripture encourages believers to pursue peace and to pray for it. In Romans 14:19, Paul writes, "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" [4]. Similarly, Ephesians 4:3 exhorts believers to "endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" [5]. These passages demonstrate that peace is a key aspect of Christian living and that believers should actively seek it.
Prayer is a vital means of seeking peace. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, prayer is "commanded" and should be offered to God through Christ [3]. The Psalmist models this in Psalms 4:4, where he writes, "Tremble and do not sin. Speak within your own heart on your bed and be still. Selah" [6]. This passage illustrates the connection between prayer, reflection, and inner peace.
The Bible also links peace to God's character and actions. In Psalms 147:14, God is said to "establish peace in your borders" [1]. Furthermore, the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, according to James 3:18. This underscores the idea that peace is not just a human aspiration but a divine gift.
In praying for peace, believers are encouraged to seek God's comfort, mitigation of troubles, and deliverance from sin [7]. The Psalmist prays for God's presence and support, asking that the Holy Spirit not be withdrawn (Psalm 51:11). By praying in this manner, believers demonstrate their trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.
Historically, Christian traditions have emphasized the importance of praying for peace. For example, Matthew Henry comments on Psalms 122:6, noting that believers should "pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the welfare of it, for all good to it" [8]. Similarly, John Calvin describes Jesus as the "Prince of Peace," who brings "full and perfect happiness, or, at least, of calm and blessed safety" [9].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Peace — God is the author of -- Ps 147:14; Isa 45:7; 1Co 14:33. Results from Heavenly wisdom. -- Jas 3:17. The government of Christ. -- Isa 2:4. Praying for rulers. -- 1Ti 2:2. Seeking the peace of those with whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Necessary to the enjoyment of life -- Ps 34:12,14; 1Pe 3:10,11. God bestows upon those who Obey him. -- Le 26:6. Please him. -- Ps 16:7. Endure his chastisements. -- Job 5:17,23,24. Is a bond of union -- Eph 4:3. The fruit of righteousness should be sown in -- Jas 3:18. The church shall enjoy -- Ps 125:5; 128:6; Isa 2:4; Ho 2:18. Sain”
- Jeremiah “Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yahweh for it; for in its peace you shall have peace. -- Jeremiah 29:7”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer — Commanded -- Isa 55:6; Mt 7:7; Php 4:6. To be offered To God. -- Ps 5:2; Mt 4:10. To Christ. -- Lu 23:42; Ac 7:59. To the Holy Spirit. -- 2Th 3:5. Through Christ. -- Eph 2:18; Heb 10:19. God hears -- Ps 10:17; 65:2. God answers -- Ps 99:6; Isa 58:9. Is described as Bowing the knees. -- Eph 3:14. Looking up. -- Ps 5:3. Lifting up the soul. -- Ps 25:1. Lifting up the heart. -- La 3:41. Pouring out the heart. -- Ps 62:8. Pouring out the soul. -- 1Sa 1:15. Calling upon the name of the Lord. -- Ge 12:8; Ps 116:4; Ac 22:16. Crying to God. -- Ps 27:7; 34:6. Drawing”
- King James Version “[KJV] Romans 14:19 — Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 4:3 (KJV) — Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
- Psalms “Psalms 4:4 (LITV) — Tremble and do not sin. Speak within your own heart on your bed and be still. Selah.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 122:6: Here, I. David calls upon others to which well to Jerusalem, Psa 122:6, Psa 122:7. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the welfare of it, for all good to it, particularly for the uniting of the inhabitants among themselves and their preservation from the incursions of enemies. This we may truly desire, that in the peace thereof we may have peace; and this we must earnestly pray for, for it is the gift of God, and for it he will be enquired of. Those that can do nothing else for the peace of Jerusalem can pray for it, which is something more than showing their go”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 15.20: We ought, therefore, to elevate our minds to that blessed and everlasting life, which as yet we see not , but which we possess by hope and faith . ( Romans 8:25 .) The Prince of Peace. This is the last title, and the Prophet declares by it that the coming of Christ will be the cause of full and perfect happiness, or, at least, of calm and blessed safety. In the Hebrew language peace often signifies prosperity , for of all blessings not one is better or more desirable than peace . The general meaning is, that all who submit to the dominion of”