“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13

Reflection

Greetings prayer partner,

Have you ever stood in church as the congregation lifted up this hymn, or perhaps sang along as it played on your car stereo?

I’ve got peace like a river

I’ve got peace like a river

I’ve got peace like a river in my soul!

I feel like I hear this song in the moments where I have the least amount of peace imaginable. I will hear the first chorus and run to God in confession, praying, “Lord, I do not have peace like a river! I have peace like… a single drop of rain on a hot sidewalk.” As if to tell God, I do not have lasting peace that I can walk in, I only have the slightest thought of peace that leaves me desperate for more!

It’s not that God has rescinded His peace from me in these moments, because Philippians 4:7 promises, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Rather, I have surrendered His peace in one way or another, believing a lie or substituting His perfect peace for an absence of troubles.

Take notice that Philippians 4:7 doesn’t say that the peace of God will surround every circumstance and cause perfect harmony in all our situations. Actually, it says the opposite! God promises peace in our hearts and minds.

Biblical peace is God’s permeating presence, it isn’t an absence of unrest or conflict. Peace is His presence that is pure and steadfast at all times, that we must be vigilant to remain rooted in, especially in the times of unrest or conflict.

This peace, being a facet on the fruit of the Spirit, only comes after we have peace WITH God through salvation in Christ Jesus. Then we get to walk in the peace OF God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As Christians, when we seem to be feeling a lack of peace, it is because God is revealing how we are finding counterfeit peace in our circumstances, rather than in Him. Circumstances change, but He never does.

Walking in Biblical peace means that our lives are driven by the peace of God within us flowing outward through our attitudes and actions. It isn’t the outward circumstances that determine our mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, it is the inward peace of God that He has given us.

Prayer partner, let’s hold of the peace that Christ has already given us, as we read in John 14:27, “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.”

Prayer Partner, will you pray with me?

Lord, Your peace is perfect, and it passes all earthly understanding. Forgive me for the moments where I have forsaken Your peace, and sought a counterfeit peace in earthly things, or attempting to manufacture my own peace by manipulating external circumstances. I surrender to You and walk in Your peace that You have already given to me. Give me the fortitude to never surrender Your peace, this perfect gift. Show me any moment where I am living by my circumstances rather than by the Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

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Prepare To Pray With Us on May 1st!

The 2025 National Day of Prayer Broadcast, Hosted by NDP Task Force president Kathy Branzell, alongside 2025 Co-Host Tim Tebow!

Special guests include Joan and Meoldee DeVevo of Casting Crowns, A.R. Bernard, Samuel Rodriguez, Dallas Jenkins of The Chosen, Dr. Tim Clinton, and many more!

The annual National Day of Prayer Broadcast is an invitation to unite in prayer, as the 2025 theme calls us to “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled!” from the theme scripture of Romans 15:13.

This 90-minute virtual prayer gathering is for believers across America and across the world to join together in prayer and worship, with prayers from Christian leaders in every area of influence. Lift up your prayers with us and be encouraged as we pray for neighbor and nation, and be filled with God’s hope, joy, and peace in believing!

April Pray For America Call

On Thursday, April 3rd at 8 p.m. ET, our Southeast National Area will lead the Prayer For America Call, with prayers centered around the theme, Our Hope is Our Resurrected Savior.

To join, call 667-770-1523, access code 4961322#.

Free Prayer Resource – STAND

We have sensed the urgent need for a survival guide for believers on how to stand in the storms of life in a generation that has so many people struggling with emotional endurance and mental health. Kerry Hasenbalg, author, speaker, and beloved friend of NDP has generously given this teaching to you, as we pray it refreshes or restores hope in your life.

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