Many people want to know, What is the best prayer for peace and comfort. We might begin with a simple prayer, “Help me Lord.” Much depends upon the problems that beset us. A civilian in a war zone has a lot more reason to pray for peace and comfort than someone who just lost their job. A person recently diagnosed with terminal cancer has more reason to need peace and comfort than a person who is anxious about traveling to a strange city. Yet, a simple “Help me Lord.” Can be effective.
Another consideration is who is praying. When praying for someone else it can help to draw a word description of what a resolution looks lIke. For example, if the person is ill, bedridden and weak one could pray something like “In Jesus name I picture you strong and healthy doing the things you like the most (dancing, hiking, cooking, playing sports etc.). You could do the same for your self in prayer.
Sometimes when praying for another no words either help or are needed. We call it a ministry of presence. Woody Allen said “80% of life is just showing up.” Comfort means to come along side.
For those who have a history as a Christian find that prayers like The Lord’s Prayer and the 23rd psalm bring comfort. Years ago I brought communion to a husband and wife in a nursing home. He was very faith and visit her everyday though she did not know him. When we began to say the Lord’s Prayer in the service she joined in. It was the only thing she said. I am sure it comforted both of them.
I don’t recall even one funeral that did not include the 23rd Psalm. Moreover, many former prisoners of war recall this and other scriptures were comforting.
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul;
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Perhaps the best prayer for peace and comfort is the Serenity Prayer. It is a significant resource for people in Recovery. Below is the complete prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr
