“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.
God of Grace, as we lit our second Advent Candle of peace yesterday, we lift before you this morning, all those, including ourselves, whose peace may be disrupted this week. We think about those who cannot settle for anxiety of financial concerns, those who cannot rest because of pain they are experiencing, those who cannot relax because of the presence of conflict in their homes, for those waiting for news of some sort who struggle to be patient, for those whose minds simply will not settle because of a worry that is gnawing away. Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, You came into our world to give us an assurance of the peace of God which goes beyond our understanding. And so, for all those experiencing a lack of peace this week, we pray for Your assurance, we pray for Your compassion, but most of all we pray for the knowledge of Your presence alongside us in every situation. May the power of being loved by You bring peace into our lives in the days ahead, Amen.