December 12, 2022 | by Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner | NCNW National Chaplain and President of Skinner Leadership Institute
Great and gracious God, you are greatly to be praised for bringing us to the end of the year, acknowledging our need for peace that comes from you alone.
As we reflect on this year’s many tests and trials…
We praise you for protecting us from dangers, seen and unseen.
We give you glory for putting those in our lives who loved us through our storms.
We thank you for empowering us to be your hands and feet in many hurting places in our world.
We adore you for teaching us how to praise you even when the world about us seemed to be falling apart with never-ending battles between people, leaders, and nations.
So, we confess our need for your peace that passes all human understanding to guard our hearts against discouragement, despair, and, at times, depression.
Right now, O God, we need the One about whom the Prophet Isaiah said, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Now, help us surrender our wounded hearts, tired bodies, and distressed souls to Jesus, whose death, burial, and resurrection fully paid the price for you to forgive our sins and give us your peace. Lead us to rest in the sure knowledge that whenever we turn our worries over to you—your loving gift of peace instantly envelops us no matter our problems. Thank you, God, in this gift-giving season, for your gift of the Prince of Peace in our lives and our world.
In your mighty Name we pray, Lord God, Amen.
