Peace

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. -1 Timothy 1:2b


How do you pray for someone you don't know, of whose need you are not aware?

Who are these names on our prayer lists?

They are real people. I must remind myself that someone I know and love made this prayer request.

But what are their needs specifically?

To pray specifically seems needful. Not just, "Lord, bless so-and-so."

Which might be my tendency.

Peace.

This is something all humans desire?

Even those who seem to live for and live in the melodrama?

What about the lost?

"The way of peace they have not known."

They are at war with the God who made them, Paul says.

In each of his letters, Paul opens with a prayer, as it were, for God's peace upon his readers.

"My peace I leave with you," Jesus said.

Peace for you and for me, for all who turn to him in faith.

Peace in the midst of heartache, in times of temptation, in sickness, when there is turmoil all around.

Peace at the hour of death.

Peace that passes understanding.

Peace be unto you.