Prayer for Peace in Believing

“Therefore being justified by faith — we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

Gracious God, I would seek to end another day with You; I would desire to look up to You through Jesus Christ, Your well-beloved Son, and to be made partaker of that peace which passes all understanding. There is no other refuge for the sin-stricken, woe-worn spirit. In vain amid other portions and meaner joys can I say to my soul “peace, peace.” There is no peace! But reposing, blessed Savior, on Your finished work and everlasting righteousness, I have a peace which the world knows nothing of, and which enables me to rise superior to all the vicissitudes and changes of this fleeting life.

I desire to remember with a grateful heart, that this peace has been purchased for me by the blood of the cross — that it is made as sure as everlasting power and wisdom and faithfulness can make it. O great Prince, who has power with God and prevails — I would lift the undivided eye of faith to Your bleeding sacrifice! Dispel every disquieting fear with the thought that You have done all, and suffered all, and procured all — for me! Being justified by faith, I have peace with You through the Lord Jesus Christ. I rejoice in the plenitude of Your promises, that they are all yes and amen to those who believe. Man’s word may fail, man’s faithfulness may falter — but “the word of the Lord is tried,” Your faithfulness is unto all generations!

O my Father, enable me to rejoice more and more in You as my everlasting portion. I know nothing which compares with the enjoyment of Your favor. Other props may be removed, other refuges may prove refuges of lies — but You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Give me grace to be active in Your service for the remainder of my fleeting life. Opportunities are fleeting. The night comes, when none of us can work. May simple believing, be followed by the earnest cultivation of every Christian virtue, and by progressive advancement in the heavenly life. May I faithfully employ the talents which You have entrusted to me, and seek never to be weary in well-doing. Preserve me from every unholy temper and unchristian deed. May I be gentle and meek, patient and forgiving, kind and benevolent, living in love towards all men.

On all my beloved friends, I supplicate Your richest blessing. Protect them with Your favor as with a shield. Sanctify them, body, soul, and spirit. Seal them unto the day of eternal redemption.

Bless all Your poor afflicted ones. Let them receive largely out of the wells of Your own everlasting consolation. Let them see Your sovereign hand alone in their trials, and say with unrepining submission, “May the Lord’s will be done!”

O my Father, take the charge of me through the silent watches of the night. May I fall asleep listening to the gracious benediction, “Peace be unto you.” And when the gates of the morning are opened, may it be to hear anew Your voice saying, “My presence will go with you!” Hear, accept, and answer me, for the dear Redeemer’s sake. Amen.

“Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense — and the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice.”