Yes, I’m praying through my own prayer book. Why? Because I wrote it for myself just as much (and maybe even more) than I wrote it for anyone else. This is not my first time through it, but once again, I’m amazed at how perfectly the Lord is using it to encourage my heart.

Kevin’s still off work, and we are still in the dark regarding the root issues of his struggling health. My dad has been in and out of the hospital this past month. A lot of things are unclear, and it would be really easy to sink into despair. Then I turn the page to day 26.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”


Phil 4:7

Jesus tells us, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). But some days, it feels like trouble is all around us. The world shifts and shakes, and fear creeps in. We know what God says—yet we wrestle to believe it.


Peace often feels out of reach because we look for it in the wrong places. We think it will come when circumstances settle, when wars end, or when headlines finally bring good reports. But Jesus makes it clear: the peace He gives is not as the world gives. It is different. It is deeper.


We are called to trust that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. It’s not about escaping the storm; it’s about knowing the One who commands it.


Yes, we will have moments of weakness. We will cry, feel overwhelmed, and wonder how to go on. But every morning, His mercies are new. Every day, He invites us to start again—not in our strength, but in His.


When we fix our minds on Christ, we find a peace the world cannot offer. This peace steadies us even when nothing around us changes.i 


Father,


You are my peace. When life feels out of control, You are the One who holds me steady and sets my feet on solid ground. Thank You for being my unshakable refuge and strength, the anchor in every storm.


I confess that I so often let fear speak louder than faith. I confess the times I chase after worldly comforts instead of running to You. I confess (be specific). I repent of these sins and gratefully embrace the mercy and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. Fix my wandering heart on You, Lord. Teach me to trust Your peace when the burdens of life feel too heavy to carry.


I lift my husband to You. (Name him or name the important men in your life or pray for your potential future husband.) Strengthen his confidence, Lord, not in his own abilities or accomplishments, but in the unshakable identity he has in Christ. Root him deeply in Your truth so that he stands firm and walks boldly along the path You have set before him.


I pray for my children. (Name them or name the children over whom you have influence.) Fill them with hope that is anchored in Your promises. Remind them that You have plans for them that are ultimately filled with goodness, purpose, and a future because You are faithful. Guard their hearts against discouragement and grow in them an unshakable trust in You.


I bring before You my extended family (name them). Every life tells a story, and I pray their narrative shines brightly for Your glory. For those who know You and love You, help their actions and words reflect Your love and grace to a watching world. Make their witness strong and their faith contagious, drawing others closer to You. For those who don’t know You, convict them of their need for a Savior and bring them into sweet fellowship with You.


I pray for my friends (name them). Breathe new life into weary souls. Restore what feels broken. Refresh their faith and lead them once again into paths of righteousness. Remind them they are deeply loved, fully known, and never alone.
And Lord, I pray for myself. I ask for rest. Real, soul-deep rest that only You can give. Quiet the noise in my mind, ease the weight on my shoulders, and renew my spirit with Your gentle peace. Teach me to come to You daily, moment by moment, finding my refuge and renewal in Your presence.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28


I lift up my church leaders. (Name your pastors, elders, and ministry leaders.) Strengthen their commitment to prayer and to the ministry of Your Word. Protect their time with You, deepen their hunger for Your voice, and use them to lead with humility, wisdom, and power that flows from walking closely with You.


Empower the missionaries serving You (name them) to bear much fruit for Your glory. Strengthen their hands, fill their hearts with courage, and cause their work to overflow with eternal impact.
I pray for the worldwide church, for my city, and for my country.

May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in every place and every heart. 
Thank You for hearing my prayers. Thank You for being the God who is peace, who gives peace, and who never changes.


In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.


Regardless of how out of control you feel, God is still on the throne. Move your eyes from the storm to the Savior. He will be your peace, and He is enough.


Psalm 23:3: “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Proverbs 3:26: “For the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”
Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 15:8: “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
Acts 6:4: “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
2 Corinthians 10:5: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”



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i A version of this first appeared on StaceyWeeks.com on May 05, 2022.


The post Day 26 appeared first on Stacey Weeks.