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Arriving at a Place of Peace:
The Power of Prayer
By Linda A. Annan
One of the seemingly unattainable states when your heart and mind are greatly troubled is peace. The chasm between you and tranquility most often appears to increase and the thought generates even more helplessness. In such moments of vulnerability prayer is often times far from our minds, though it does prove to be what we need the most.
Scripture demonstrates that God is peace and therefore is accompanied by peace wherever He goes. In 1 Kings 19 we witness the challenges that confront Elijah and he even prays for God to take his life. But after feeding him twice the Lord instructed, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by” (V.11). The actual moment was preceded by a powerful wind that destroyed the mountains and rocks, followed by an earthquake and a fire. But God was in neither of them, instead His appearance was engulfed in something contrary to the harbinger of his arrival: A gentle whisper. He chose to reveal Himself in the most tranquil form.
To further explore God’s association with peace Psalm 85:10 tells us that, “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” And our God is a righteous God. Isaiah 9:6 refers to Him as: Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.”
It is very easy to dismiss the power of peace because unlike others, it takes time and work to attain, but is it worth the effort?
In Isaiah 30:15a&b we learn about something the Lord says: “In repentance and REST is your salvation, in QUIETNESS and trust is your STRENGTH.” Do you realize that it does not say in distress or anxiety is your strength? Instead it uses “quietness” and “trust”, all of which produce peace!
Arriving at a peaceful and restful place in your life requires some work from your end, work that creates no sweat but rather builds character into a state that glorifies God. One way of reaching this place is by praying for God’s mercy in this regard. However, do not be disillusioned to think that one simple prayer should be enough and then forget about it. Attaining peace in life or about a situation must be pursued like anything you really desire – you MUST be consistent with the pursuit.
If you believe prayer is not enough throw in a fast, it will be more than worth it. And remember, a complement to prayer and fasting is the promises of God which can be found in His Word. Consider incorporating Scripture reading into your bed-time routine; that often settles your heart.
When you begin to wake up every morning with a light heart and a smile on your face, then you know that God has granted you the peace you have so invested in.
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