Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers. (Psalm 122:6-7 NRSV)

Reflection by Keith Funk

Last week I shared with you, from Psalm 122, regarding praying for peace, and illustrating how this prayer can speak to current situations where we see war and conflict in our world. Here, may we also see in this ancient prayer, the need to pray for peace for the landscape surrounding us. Here, I am speaking of the immediate issues and situations close at hand and in our present circumstances.

This past week, mid-term elections were held and with resounding results. Like any election, the victors celebrated while those who were defeated, along with their supporters, expressed dismay, and even gloom. As a reader of this blog, you perhaps find yourself on one side or the other on this continuum.

In either case, might we take this time as opportunity to pray for the peace of the atmosphere about us. This may include our local community, our workplace, our congregation, our families and so on. This blog is known as “The Shalom Life.” in earlier blogs, I have written on the meaning of the Hebrew word, “shalom.”  We most often we translate this word as “peace.” Certainly, this is a proper translation of the word. However, there is a richness of the word, “shalom”, that transcends the singular translation of “peace.”

Peace for us, quite often, refers to the absence of conflict. May we ever be in prayer for the absence of conflict and war, and wherever such is occurring. But in praying for shalom, we do more than pray for an end to conflict. Praying for shalom, is the prayer for healing, completeness, and well-being for that given situation which is being lifted in our prayers. And, if this is the case, may we be pursuing shalom in our praying and intercession as a part of our practice of prayer. It is important and dare I say even necessary that we do so.

There is much division and opposition between people and parties in our day. There is an underlying mistrust between fellow citizens and even family members that holds us apart from one another in suspicion and mistrust. May we pray for God’s healing shalom for that about us, and seek this in our life with others, no matter who they are or where they are coming from. No, there is no promise of success if we do so, but may this be our pursuit in seeking God’s purpose for his creation and for those who bear his image in this world.

Finally, this doesn’t mean we forfeit our convictions, but it does mean that in the practice of praying for peace, for shalom, we participate in seeking God’s purpose beyond our agendas for those about us. For it is to this shalom where God’s story is leading, and where God is taking us. May we pray for the peace, the shalom, for all and all things about us.

Peace be with you.