The Unshakeable Foundation of God

You are invited to spend time in scripture. Read Psalm 46 in its entirety. Read it slowly and deliberately. Ask God to direct your attention or reveal something new to you in your reading of this Psalm today. You may want to record what God is revealing to you through his word.

There are so many people experiencing conflict in our local communities and around the world. Spend some time looking through the newspapers, magazines and articles before you. As you read, you might like to ask yourself these questions:

What’s happening?
Where?
Who is affected?
Who are the key leaders and who will be responding?
What are the needs right now?

Cut out a headline or article that captures your attention. Write your thoughts next to them.

Offer a prayer for the specific news headline and the people it concerns.

‘Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”’ (Psalm 91:1-2)

Look at a map of the world or your local area. Where on the map is the Lord drawing your attention? Hold the light up to the map. Move your hand in front of the light to create a shadow on the map over those areas you would like to pray for. Pray for those people to rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

You are in the presence of God. Find a comfortable posture to rest in this quiet place. Be still. Be still know that God is God. Is there something you need to stop striving for? What do you need to surrender and instead rely on the strength of God? Let God be God. Stay here as long as you need.

‘Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”’ (Psalm 91:1-2)

Look at a map of the world or your local area. Where on the map is the Lord drawing your attention? Hold the light up to the map. Move your hand in front of the light to create a shadow on the map over those areas you would like to pray for. Pray for those people to rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Write down a specific action you will take to contribute to peace (in my personal relationships, educating myself, educating others, committing to prayer). Commit to resolving differences and conflicts at home, work and perhaps even at church peacefully through dialogue and compassion. Commit to treating others with respect, practicing empathy and living in harmony with others. Commit to praying regularly for the world and for areas of conflict.

When we hear trusted voices, voices of those we know and love, declaring the goodness and faithfulness of God, we can find hope and strength in their confidence and love. Reflect on how simple acts of kindness, like a letter, can bring comfort and strength to those enduring hardship, reminding them that they are not alone.

Write a letter of hope and encouragement to those living in conflict zones. You may leave these letters as a symbolic gesture at the station, or if you're praying for a specific territory or someone you know personally, consider sending the letter to them.

Pray for the territory or person you have written to.

Spend some time reflecting on your life. You may choose to divide it into decades or significant periods. Call to mind the times when you were aware of the presence of God. Remember what God has done in and for you. What can you learn from this that can bring assurance for the present and the future?

What are you trusting God with for your future?

Write down as many names of God or attributes of God’s character as you can think of. Use scripture to help you. Alternatively, you can use the list provided in the prayer guide. Then, take some time to look at the names of God and aspects of his character. Who is God to you today? What names or characteristics are you drawn to? Why?

Create a visual display declaring God’s goodness. Write down an answer to prayer, a miracle story, God’s provision for you, a story of God’s goodness to you or your testimony.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and he calls us to be peacemakers in our community and in the world – so, let’s go public with our message of peace. As the Spirit leads, add your prayers, words of scripture and message of hope to a canvas as creatively as you can.

As you do so, you may want to pray for:

• unity among people of different backgrounds.
• wisdom in addressing conflict.
• hope and courage for those affected by war and conflict.
• restoration and reconciliation for broken relationships.

Over time, this canvas will become a tapestry of collective prayers and convey a beautiful message of peace.

‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’ – John 1:5

Jesus is the Light of the World. The light of Jesus shines through even the darkest situations, bringing hope and guidance. Light a candle in silence while praying for a specific conflict or region. Pray that those in authority will see the ‘light’ and work to bring an end to conflict.