With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
If you have an advent wreath, light the first two candles and pray:
Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. The light no darkness can overcome.
Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace. Teach us to make peace with our words, with our hands, for our own place and all places. Amen.
Word: John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.”
Meditation
Before he died, Jesus had a talk with his friends. He mapped out what would happen. His final days would be far from peaceful. And yet he said this, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27)
“Not as the world . . .” The world seeks peace by sheer will, planning, policies, power, hard work, money . . . There is a sense in which we are all called to be peacemakers. It is good to work for peace. But in this instance, Jesus is not referring to our efforts at peace.
“My peace” – It is his peace. Not ours. He achieves it. He sets things right that you can’t. Can you change a human heart? Can you fix a divorce? Can you stop the addiction by yourself? Can you forgive your worst enemy on your own? Can you end injustice once and for all? No, you need greater peace.
“I give” – The peace Jesus has is given, not gotten. It is received, not achieved. True shalom is a gift God gives. It’s not a product you buy. Or an ideal you achieve.
“to you” – It’s personal. He wants you to have peace. The mission of Jesus is wholeness for you. Restoration with God the Father. Peace for you.
Prayer for Family
– For my immediate family (parents, spouse, siblings).
– For extended family (cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents)
– For close friends that are as family to me.
– For those who don’t have families, or whose families are broken.
– For forgiveness and reconciliation where there is division in my family.
– For provision where there is need in my family.
– For God to be the foundation, and the cross the center of my family.
– For a generation yet unborn, future members of our family.
Closing Prayer
O God, we seek peace, but not as the world gives. Your peace is given, not gotten. Your peace is received, not achieved. Our hands are open. Our hearts are eager. In the name of Jesus, give us peace. Amen.