pause: (peace)

an excerpt from "Uneasy Peace"
-Daniel Meadows
-reflection upon John 15:5-16:33

Generally speaking, when I think of peace I think of circumstances.  If I want peace, I need to fix things in my life.  I need to address conflicts; I must plan for the future.  But I will always find something to worry about.  I will never find myself in a situation entirely free of stress, drama, pain, fear, or failure.  True peace comes from embracing what is, not from ceaseless striving to change everything around me to make my life more safe, secure, comfortable.
Peace does not come from external circumstances, and Christ did all of us a service by making that clear.  But he does tell us he will be with us.  The reality is this: We are fully dependent on God, and there are only two options in this life.  Both involve pain.  But the reality is also this: Jesus rose from the dead.  He conquered death.  His pruning produces life.

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"There is a state of perfect peace with God to be attained under imperfect obedience."  -John Owen

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"Grant Us Your Peace"
--Augustine of Hippo

O Lord, my God,
grant us your peace; already, indeed,
you have made us rich in all things!
Give us that peace of being at rest,
that Sabbath peace,
the peace which knows no end.

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pause: (Sunday prayer: "DELIVER US FROM FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN")

O Lord, we beseech thee to deliver us from the fear of the unknown future; from fear of failure; from fear of poverty; from fear of bereavement; from fear of loneliness; from fear of sickness and pain; from fear of age; and from fear of death.  Help us, O Father, by thy grace to love and fear thee only, fill our hearts with cheerful courage and loving trust in thee; through our Lord and Master Jesus Christ.

-Akanu Ibaim (Nigeria/1906-1995)

pause: (Sunday prayer: "I Cannot Do This Alone")

“O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you;
I cannot do this alone.

In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely; but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me. . . .

Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before men.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.
Amen.”
--Dietrich Bonhoeffer