Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful. John 14:27
My words…
Praise
Oh, Jesus, You are the Perfect Giver. When the sick and diseased pressed against You, You gave healing. When the evil-possessed screamed at and pleaded with You, You gave freedom. When it came time to sanctify the world, You gave Your life. You know just what to give and when to give it. Just before You were to ascend and be reunited with Your Father, You gave one last gift to Your disciples: peace. You knew the trepidation, confusion, panic, and pain they would endure in the coming years, so You gave them something to use to see them through. It wasn’t in a box with a pretty bow. It was something placed inside them, a gift they would never lose, a gift that would never wear out. The perfect gift at the perfect time from the Perfect Gift-Giver.
Prayer for me
Just as You gave peace to Your disciples, so You give it to me. It is a well-used gift. I wrap myself in it when I see and hear the triumphs of Satan and begin to fear for my children and their children. I tighten it against me when I feel the effects of aging and am reminded of how temporary I really am. My spirit grows calm, and I am strengthened in the knowledge of whose loving hand holds my world.
Forgive me
Forgive me for the times when I neglect to use Your gift. Your peace is what steadies me, and I am a fool when I think I can get through my earthly walk without it.
Prayer for others
Lord, I know so many who are battling despair. Some are suffering from physical disease, some from spiritual attacks. Give them an extra measure of Your soothing balm of peace, so they may close their eyes and feel Your arms around them.
Thank You
While You walked the dusty roads of earth, You received gifts as well: the “thank you” from those You healed, the expensive perfume poured over your head by a grateful woman, the praise of those who recognized You for who You truly were. Someone must have given You the seamless garment taken from You at Your crucifixion. I would love to give You a gift worthy of what You have given to me, but that would be impossible, for You are the Perfect Giver and I the sinful receiver. But today, I offer You the perfect purple iris growing in my yard. It is my favorite flower, and I give it to You with love. I realize the backwardness of this gift – I am giving You something You Yourself made, but I know You will receive it in the way it is intended. It’s the most perfect thing I can lay my hands on. I won’t call it mine anymore.
More praise
My heart is at peace right now because I am talking to You, Lord. I praise You as the perfect Prince of Peace.
