Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” vs. 27
John 14:27-29
We all have friends and family members who rise to the top of our prayer lists at various times in their lives. And when we’re done praying that they receive healing, reconciliation, or forgiveness, we close with a deep and profound plea for peace. It’s the same prayer that Jesus had for his disciples as he prepared them for his leaving. And as he put it, it’s not a prayer for the kind of peace that the world seeks. This peace arises within the heart of Christ, the peace that passes all human understanding, and it’s the only peace that can touch the hearts of the helpless. As we pray that prayer for peace, we’re picturing a warm blanket, a comforter, being drawn over our beloved ones, and the hands of Jesus tucking them in. And as we pray, he whispers to them, “Don’t let your heart be troubled, and don’t be angry or afraid!” And if those loved ones come to the end of this life, and their heart is stilled, we then breathe the second stanza of that oft-prayed prayer, “Rest in peace, my friend! Rest in peace!” And knowing that they have now been received into the loving arms of the Shepherd, by faith we feel the comfort of that same peace in our own hurting hearts.
Thought for the Day: When have I felt this mysterious peace?
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