For January 3, 2021 Prayer for Peace (from Worship Helps) and Peace Moment with introduction
Introduction
Each week during Advent and beyond we will hear a Peace Moment in addition to the prayer for peace. Hopefully you will be blessed with these devotional thoughts. This week’s Peace Moment is by Steve Bolie.
PEACE MOMENT
Don’t Worry About Missing Out
By Steve Bolie
Recently I was fretting (in other words, obsessing) and getting down-hearted about not being able to spend time with our grandchildren during this important time in their development. We have been fortunate, and a little spoiled, that they all live within 30 minutes from our home. So not being to be close to them in this time of pandemic seemed like a huge loss. I also thought about not being able to volunteer to deliver food to homeless and recently homeless because of health risks.
That very morning I read Matthew 6:33-34 from the MESSAGE Bible. In these verses of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says, “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out” (Emphasis added). My first reaction was something like “Wow! Jesus said this two centuries ago just for me, for us, to read in this time of pandemic.” Amid all the concerns about the virus, high positivity rates, death counts and community spread we can be assured that in our life with God we “Don’t (need to) worry about missing out” on what is important. My second reaction and daily experience since has been “I must remember this promise and be comforted by it.” We can be at peace as we trust that God will provide and bless.
Prayer for Peace
Light the Peace Candle.
God of Shalom,
Often our prayers for peace focus on personal and community needs or those of other countries. Today we pray specifically for the United States. Our nation is divided politically in ways that threaten to turn violent. Even our long-standing tradition of peaceful transition of presidential leadership is at risk. What will this disruption do for our future and that of our children?
We pray that the peace amid conflict that was demonstrated by your Son will lead us forward. By the strength of the Holy Spirit lead everyone to make peaceful actions even amid differences the priority of this month.
Lesson our concerns and fears and use them for good in this time we pray. Amen.
If the writing of prayers suggested in the worship resources is used substitute the suggested prayer for peace for the above prayer.