Peace in Jerusalem
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be with you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem. Psalm 122:6-9
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Jerusalem had not always been the “holy city.” There was a time when Jerusalem was in the hands of the Jebusites, but they had been driven out. The city was now entirely in the possession of the children of God. Justice would be administered according to the heartbeat of God without outside influence or interference. When the people made their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem to celebrate the three feasts, David penned this psalm as an announcement. He wanted all the people to know that Jerusalem was the city where God would record his name! Though David had a vested interest in Jerusalem, it was not his welfare that he solicited. He was a man of worship and loved the house of God. His desire was that the ark, the temple, and the glory of God would continue to abide in Jerusalem.
Today God’s name is still recorded in Jerusalem. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Ask the God who never tires and never sleeps to bring rest to his people and to watch over Israel.
Prayers:
JEHOVAH, you created the universe. You are aware of the conflict of the nations, of the pleas of those who call for peace. I pray that you will protect your people. I pray that you will reign in Jerusalem. Help us as a people, a nation, to remember those who are suffering from unrest and conflict. Omnipotent and tireless God, I pray that you will bring peace and restoration to your holy city.
Quotes:
For most men the world is centered in self, which is misery: to have one’s world centered in God is peace.
Donald Hankey (1874–1917)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Daniel 11:2-35; 1 John 3:7-24; Psalm 122:1-9 and Proverbs 29:1.
