Lenten Word 25: Peace

Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace. What we don't know about the word is that it goes beyond wishing a life without conflict or war; it is a word that desires those to whom we share the word, a complete state of wellbeing and welfare. Peace is the blessing we can share with others to wish them the best; no conflict, no war, but the tranquility and calm that comes with that, but also from the knowledge of knowing we are being watched over and cared for, the needs of our life are being met.

In our Lenten Journey we strive for inner peace as we seek to realize who we are, who we have been, and who God called us to be. And the end result I pray is that peace, shalom, that can bless our lives. Our prayer time, our fasting, our scripture reading and what other disciplines we have been following serve to bring us that peace.

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (John 14:27). Jesus' peace is other worldly and it is one free from fear. May that be our prayer for ourselves and others for today and for this Lenten time.

PRAYER: Loving God, grant me Your peace. You know my needs and You have provided and for that I am thankful. Let me be a blessing in return to others; this I pray in Christ Jesus, amen.