But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
[Galatians 5: 22–23]
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
[Philippians 4: 6–8]
Peace comes in many different forms. The passage from Philippians speaks of the peace of God, but there is also finding peace with God. In order to experience the peace of God, we must find ourselves at peace with God. To find peace with God we must accept Jesus as our Saviour, to become reconciled with God and know ourselves to be God’s children.
If we can find peace between ourselves and God, we then begin to experience the peace of God which passes all understanding. However, this peace can seem to fluctuate, especially when we wander from God or our behaviour changes. The peace of God is for all who follow God and know God’s love.
There are many hymns about peace, but perhaps ‘We pray for peace’, by Alan Gaunt (Singing the Faith 719) reminds us that peace is not easy; the peace of God takes work, standing against injustice sharing love, grace and hope.
God of peace,
Your love for us passes all knowing,
Your peace beyond all understanding,
Your grace and mercy unending.
Help us to find peace with you,
To accept ourselves as loved by you,
To recognise ourselves as your children.
May we feel your peace in our lives,
And may we strive to show that peace to others,
Stand against injustice,
Show true love and humility,
And be hope for the world.
Amen
Weekly Prayers for June 2021 by Revd Claire Rawlinson
Image: photo by Jonathan Meyer on Unsplash
Download the Weekly Prayers for June below:
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