Peace means freedom from disturbance, tranquility. Or a state or period in which there is no war, war has ended. This is the textbook definition of it, and often I think when one says to someone else “praying for peace” this is what they have in mind.
Prayers for world peace – we offer in times of turmoil, distress, natural disasters, pandemics and so on.
Prayers of peace to your family – in times of sickness, trials, hard valleys, death of a loved one.
Prayers of peace during this time – of struggle, uncertainty, chaos, so on and so forth.
These prayers for peace seem to fit under the textbook definition. They are beautiful prayers, but focused on the wrong kind of peace.
A passive kind of…
When we pray for world peace it’s an empty/passive prayer because it is not obtainable this side of a new heaven and a new Earth.
When storms happen, wars break out, the president goes nuts, what have you, and we pray for peace, that peace won’t show its face unless that same day is the exact day Jesus returns. Then, peace will arrive. Peace is not of this world. Time and time again the Bible will show us it is found only in and through Jesus.
All the times I prayed for a peaceful house. Or to have my kids find it among one another and I’ve gotten frustrated when it doesn’t come…
But then I pick up scripture and God subtly reminds me it’s because peace is not of this world…and that I am not praying for the right kind of peace within my kids.
The Prince of…
Jesus is literally the prince of peace:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, PRINCE OF PEACE. (Isaiah 9:6)
An active kind of…
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
(Hebrews 4:12)
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. (Psalm 29:1to 1)
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace (aka – seek me) and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)
Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. (Psalm 37:37)
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones (Proverbs 14:30)
– Maybe the things that we envy are things we should drop from our lives, freeing up time to be with the One who gives us a heart at peace!
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. (Isaiah 32:18)
-Sounds like promises of heaven.
The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace. (Isaiah 59:8)
-I mean the book of Isaiah fits well with the times of today as well…
What Jesus says about it…
“Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”(John 14:27)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Paraphrased…
- we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)
- The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6)
– worth it to read surrounding verses! - God has called us to live in peace (1 Corinthians 7:15)
Philippians 4:7 kind of…
And the peace of God, which transcends ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds IN Christ Jesus.
Our Prayers revised...
What if instead our prayers for peace started to look more like this…
Dear Heavenly Father, please help to change the hearts and minds of those seeking peace. Help us to understand that we won’t find it inside of ourselves. Help us to remember it’s not of this world. Draw us to you oh Lord, remind us that it is in and through you and your life giving word that we will find true peace. Lord grant us a mind governed by the Spirit so that in living with the Spirit we keep in step with the Spirit who will direct us towards you Lord and give us your peace. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
If this blog were a song…