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It was the angels at Jesus birth who proclaimed: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:14)
But that was because Jesus, the Son of God had been born.
And Jesus is the Prince Of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
And that peace reigns in the hearts and minds of Christians because Jesus promised us: “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)
But that promise was never for peace for the entire world.
It was a promise for peace of heart and mind to His disciples, to Christians.
And it was not a promise that we would be free of wars, persecutions, or suffering.
A quick read of the Gospels shows us that neither Jesus Himself, nor His disciples, experienced that kind of physical peace.
In fact, Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion proves that.
Along with the persecution the Apostles, Jesus disciples, and the early church all experienced.
“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” (Acts 8:1)
Instead of praying for peace we are to pray for:
1. Jesus return
Psalm 122:6 says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” And when we praying for the peace of Jerusalem, we are really praying for the Second Coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We are to: “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41)
“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7)
2. We are to pray for strength for Christian living (Ephesians 6:10-11)
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14-19)
Should Christians Be Praying For Peace? (Part 1)
Should Christians Be Praying For Peace? (Part 2)
Should Christians Be Praying For Peace? (Part 3)
Should Christians Be Praying For Peace? (Part 4)