Context: As I lay in bed yesterday, after praying, writing, and posting my blog, I picked up my night-cross again, wanting to pray for peace throughout the whole world. I asked God to fill every mind, heart and soul with peace, including:
- All those who exercise any kind of power over others’ lives, for example: parents, partners, siblings, classmates, teachers, health staff, civil servants, social workers, priests, managers and supervisors
- All those who hurt, criticise, insult, reject, exclude, dominate, bully, threaten, control, exploit, abuse and attack people weaker than themselves
- All those with political, military, civil, social, economic, religious and criminal power
Then this short, simple prayer emerged very gently into my mind, making me weep:
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14; NIV).
If you can’t be kind,
Be peaceful;
If you can’t be wise,
Seek peace.
If you can’t be fair,
Live peacefully –
Remember:
God is peace.
If you can’t do good,
Be peaceful;
If you can’t give love,
Spread peace.
If you can’t be well,
Wait peacefully –
Remember:
God is peace.
The Lord is peace (Judges 6:24; NLT).
References
Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace (Psalm 37:37; NIV).
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who proclaims peace (Isaiah 52:7; ABPE).
Make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight (2 Peter 3:14; NLT).
Strive to be found at peace, without spot or blemish, when you come into his presence (2 Peter 3:14; NET).
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14; ESV).
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you (2 Corinthians 13:11; NIV).
Wait patiently for the LORD (Psalm 27:14; NLT).
I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid (John 14:27; NLT).