Grace Bible Chapel, December 22, 2024, Greg Rhodea PhD

I. Preparation for Peace

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near.

II. Prayer for Peace

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.

Prayer Practices Include:
Requesting help; developing acceptance; growing in a loving attachment to God; silent contemplative prayer; breath prayer.

The Jesus Prayer as a Breath Prayer (“box breathing” pattern)
(1) Pray mentally while inhaling slowly: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God”;
(2) pause, holding your breath;
(3) pray mentally while exhaling slowly: “have mercy on me, a sinner”;
(4) pause with emptied lungs, then start over again.

Gratitude Practices Include:
Daily thanking God in prayer, keeping a gratitude journal; writing a letter of gratitude to someone and personally reading it to them.

III. Promise of Peace

⁷ And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Bottom Line

Use Prayer and Gratitude to seek God’s Peace.

Choose one prayer or gratitude practice to make use of this week.

Bonus JP Moreland Video
Capturing Christianity Interview: Anxiety