Monday – October 18, 2021
Scripture
Philippians 4. 6-7
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.
A Word of Hope in Prayer
Prince of peace,
Nothing has changed. The path to peace has always been hidden from us. Wars rage within our hearts, and our very nature is violence. Children are murdering children, husbands their wives, and those with power the ones they were meant to protect. Yet, despite all of this, the desire for peace burns just as strong as it always has. Our prayers for it have not ceased. Those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice continue to protect their lands from chaos. Many of us believe that peace is only a dream. More still, believe that gaining power is the way to achieving peace. Guide us and we will follow. Instruct us and we will become wiser. Be with us and anything will be possible.
Be our peace in the middle of the storm. You do not fear the winds that blow, and the waves present no threat. The seas obey You and the angels serve You. All the righteous who pray for peace find it in You. Only, You.
Creator God, in humility, we empty ourselves from all pride. You alone have the water to quench our thirst. For too long, our water has been our own tears, and the taste has been bitter. Your water is sweet like honey and fills us with new life. Grant us the courage of Moses so that we may be able to face the enemy on the inside, and the innocence of a child so that we may be able to face the enemy on the outside. For only the courageous can face themselves, and only the innocent can love their adversary.
Prince of peace, You are our friend, and You love us. We do not doubt You and we dare not depart from You. We know You and You know us. This is why we put our faith in You, because You never fail. When You gave us Your peace, it was not as the world gives. When You died, it was not how mortal men died. A promise from You is better than the assurance of a thousand princes. So then, we ask this in Your name, to give us peace that never fades, from generation to generation on Earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.
Devotion Author
Jonathon McClellan
Order of St. Francis and St. Clare