From The Desk of Deacon Judy

God’s Perfect Peace

When we pray the Prayers of the People, I often add a prayer for God’s perfect peace in our hearts, in our nation, and in our world.

God’s perfect peace is Shalom, God’s dream of deep peace, harmony, and wholeness within our very being and among all in God’s creation. Our Abrahamic traditions each have clear pathways to accomplish this seemingly impossible dream.

The Hebrew concept of tikkun olam, repair of the world, began in rabbinic texts but has evolved to be understood as a collective responsibility to heal God’s broken world. Our Baptismal Covenant avows that all Christians are to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being. Islam’s very name means peace and salaam is understood as protection, completeness, and danger-free existence.

Shalom/Salaam have been my sacred words for decades now as I enter contemplative prayer. Perhaps they capture my long-held wish of “World Peace” (after watching so many Miss America contests in my youth).

My prayer is that this recent hope of peace in the land of the Holy One will endure and that the descendants of Abraham will all be able to live their lives fully in God’s holy and sacred land.

My prayer is that God’s dream will extend throughout our broken world, so that all peoples can live their everyday lives with enough food for their families, education for their children, and work to sustain their lives. My prayer is that one day all will come to know the peace, joy, and abounding love that we Christians have come to know and live.

I offer our Collect for Peace (BCP, p.815)

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn by the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen.

Shalom/Salaam/God’s peace,

Judy Q +