The theme for this week is Peace.
The Hebrew word Shalom, meaning peace, has a deeper meaning of well-being and completeness. When one wishes another “Shalom,” it is more than a greeting, but a blessing as well.

As we focus on peace this week, it is by looking outward to peace on earth, but also inward to cultivate that sense of inner peace, of shalom, of well-being and wholeness. It is so easy to get carried away with the chaotic business of the season. Kevin and I decided long ago that we would not allow ourselves to get caught up in the chaos of the holidays. There’s a balance to that though, one that I don’t think we’ve found yet. Remaining distant from the chaos but not from the beauty, the spirit, and the peace of the season is a balancing act, one that seems elusive, but we keep trying.

Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men

I can think of no song that better deals with the theme of peace on earth during Advent than Casting Crowns – I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. A musical adaptation of Longellow’s 1863 poem, written as the Civil War was raging.

Another video, a wonderful cover of a Lauren Daigle song, released Nov 22, really touched me and is perfect for this Advent week. “A child prays for peace on Earth. And she’s calling out from a sea of hurt. Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel”

ADVENT PRAYERS WEEK 2- PEACE

Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces
to hear your voice each day,
We who are anxious over many things look forward
to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy
of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!’
Amen.

Prayer for the Lighting of the Candle

Heavenly Father, Lord of All, we need your peace in our world. In this time of new beginnings, help the leaders in our world to come to agreements for peace. Bring your comforting peace to those who are trapped in dangerous circumstances. You said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Lord, strengthen the peacemakers in our world and give them the courage and the power to make a difference.

Isaiah said, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is focused on you because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3). We place our fears and anxieties in your hands, Lord, and we choose to put our trust in You and breathe in Your peace.

Amen

The Peace Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.