a reflection on peace

Sometimes, a prayerful reflection is exactly what I need to feel centered. I gathered a few Bible verses emphasizing peace and used them as a basis for this reflection. You could use this on your own or with a group.

You might notice the use of the phrase “I pray your promise” throughout this reflection on peace. What I’m doing is praying scripture, meaning that I’m using the words from a Bible verse to guide my prayer. I find this practice to be very meaningful.

To begin our reflection on peace, close your eyes and take several deep breaths, releasing them slowly.

Pray: Holy God, I come before you today and give you praise for your strength, mercy, love, and peace. Today I focus on peace.

First verse: Philippians 4:6-7

Read this verse: “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6—7 (CEB)

Read the verse slowly several times, out loud if possible.

Pray: I pray your promise from Philippians: Guide me in releasing anxiety. Remind me to bring all requests to you with a grateful attitude. I turn over my concerns to you and ask that you guard my heart and mind. **Pause and silently share any concerns with God.** I am thankful.

Second verse: James 3:17

Read this verse: “What of the wisdom from above? First, it is pure, and then peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good actions, fair, and genuine.” James 3:17 (CEB)

Read the verse slowly several times, out loud if possible.

Pray: I pray your promise from James: I ask for your wisdom and guidance. Lead me in being pure, peace-loving, considerate, merciful, impartial, and sincere. I desire good fruit to grow in and through me. I ask for your direction in some specific areas, and I am grateful your wisdom brings peace. **Pause and seek God’s wisdom and peace in an area of need.** I am thankful.

Third verse: Colossians 3:15

Read this verse: “The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people.” Colossians 3:15 (CEB)

Read the verse slowly several times, out loud if possible.

Pray: I pray your promise from Colossians: May the peace of Christ rule in my heart. I acknowledge I am called to peace. I pray for my loved ones and ask you to cultivate peace in their hearts. **Pause and intercede for friends and family. Focus on any relationships needing a renewal of peace.** I am thankful.

Fourth verse: Jude 1:2

Read this verse: “May you have more and more mercy, peace, and love.” Jude 1:2 (CEB)

Read the verse slowly several times, out loud if possible.

Pray: I claim the blessings described in Jude: May mercy, peace, and love be mine in abundance. May these blessings overflow to those around me. I lift up my community. **Pause and pray for needs in your community and beyond.** I am thankful.

Closing our reflection on peace

Reflect briefly on some words related to peace: calm, contentment, everlasting, consolation, accord, awe-inspiring, amity, encompassing, ease, completeness. Add some of your own. (Notice that these words all begin with the letters in the word PEACE.)

Pray: Holy God, thank you for the gift of peace—your shalom, a blessing of fullness and completeness. Help me to be an agent of your peace, to share your shalom in word and deed. In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, amen.

If it helps to have a printable handout, then consider using this pdf version of the reflection on peace.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this reflection on peace.

Do you have a favorite verse on peace? I’d love to hear your thoughts! To take this one step further, consider building a word cloud using words related to peace. Alternatively, you might write an acrostic poem on peace.

You might be interested in these other posts:

• praying scripture
• think on these things
• planning a group study
• Human Library: creating positive change one “book” at a time
• homemade cleaning products

Fondly,

Crysti