Welcome to Day 16 of 21 Days of Prayer + Fasting 2023. To follow along, visit FoursquarePrayer.org.
Pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a prayer while imprisoned in a concentration camp during World War II and facing a death sentence: “I am lonely, but You do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, but with You there is help; I am restless, but with You there is peace” (Letters and Papers From Prison, Simon & Schuster, 1997). Even when it seems like there is no hope, Jesus is our Peace.
Today’s Scripture
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
—Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)
“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 (NIV)
Additional Scripture
Prayer + Reflection
- Pray for those who feel far from Jesus, that He would fill them with His peace that transcends all understanding, and that you would have an opportunity to explain what He did for them.
- Pray and declare peace over your city, that it, and you, would prosper (Jer. 29:7).
- Pray for churches that may have suffered divisions, that the confession will arise that “He Himself is our peace,” uniting them and tearing down any wall that divides (Eph. 2:14, NKJV).
Family Moment
What do you think of when you hear the word “peace”? Can you think of a time you’ve experienced God’s peace? The Bible says God’s peace doesn’t make sense to most people. It can be with us even when sad or bad things are happening. It fills up our hearts, reminding us of God’s presence and love. It is something only God can give. Let’s think about different times throughout the day when we feel God with us and thank Him for being with us during those times—even when we don’t feel Him. End by speaking Philippians 4:6-7 as a blessing over each family member.k
