As we light the second candle on the Advent wreath we rejoice in God’s gift of peace. One of the blessings we often hear at the end of our services asks God particularly to bless us with peace.
May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ( Philippians 4:7)
When we pray for peace, either for others or for ourselves, we are asking for the awareness of the presence of Jesus, because it is Jesus himself who is our peace. When we share The Peace during communion we hear the words, ‘Christ is our peace. He has reconciled us to God in one body by the cross. We meet in his Name and share his peace.’ (These words are based on St Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:18). Christ, in grace, blesses us with the gift of his peaceful presence which we in turn are to share with a complex and needy world.
As we pray this week, ask God to show you where you can pray for the awareness of Christ’s presence that everyone everywhere might know his peace.
Sunday: As we worship today we rejoice that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
Monday: Spend some time today reflecting on Jesus’ words. ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.’ (John 14:27). Allow these words to direct your prayers.
Tuesday: ‘Be still and know that I am God!’ ( Psalm 46:10). God longs to give us peace. Spend some time in quiet today, resting in God’s love.
Wednesday: When Jesus stilled the storm on the lake he spoke into the chaos of the storm saying, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Which concerns of the world need Jesus’ words of peace spoken into them today?
Thursday: God spoke to his people Israel to reassure them of his presence. ‘Do not be afraid, for I am with you, I am your God.’ Isaiah 41:10 Pray today for someone who needs this reassurance.
Friday: After Jesus was raised from the dead the disciples were afraid. Jesus appeared to them and said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ ( John 20:21). Pray that we may have boldness to proclaim the peace of Jesus in our community.
Saturday: Pray for our worship tomorrow that we may know the presence and peace of Christ in all things.
Attached is a sheet of the above in case you prefer to print a copy for reference