Peace Within
There is a prayer I pray every morning, and often pray with others.
It’s actually a Bible verse, a beautiful blessing.
“May the peace of God which passes all understanding, guard your hearts…”
Peace within
When I really think about it, peace is beyond my understanding. It seems unattainable at times, illusive. There is so much fragmentation, from our personal relationships, to the work place, to our communities, both local and global.
I like to facilitate peace. Aren’t peacemakers a good thing? But if I am honest, even peacemakers are discouraged lately… and some divides seem too damaged to fix.
So yes, when I pray this prayer, I acknowledge that I don’t get it, it is beyond my understanding. There is a letting go, a realization that I can’t manufacture peace for my world, as much as I would like to.
There is a greater peace, a holy peace that is ours . . . And this is peace that doesn’t depend on our circumstances. This peace is within, a calm that settles our minds and guards our hearts.
Don’t you love that? This peace is like a protective armour for our hearts and it is a good prayer to pray. Oh God, guard my heart . . .
So in this advent season of waiting, we will light the candle of peace this Sunday. May we know peace in the storm, calm in the uncertainties, and the wonderful knowledge that the Prince of Peace desires to dwell in our hearts.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
