Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

For ten days in September, a group from our church visited the beautiful country of Israel. One month later, on October 7, 2023, the land that has such a special place in my heart was attacked. Shock and sadness washed over me at the news. I tried to imagine the panic of those huddled in safe rooms. I might have experienced the horror firsthand had the attack come a month earlier. Now, twenty-four days into the war, concern for friends we made during our stay there, and for Jewish people around the world, permeates my heart and prayers. War tears apart so many innocent lives on both sides. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure.” (Psalm 122:6, NIV) Who can bring peace amid war?

During our stay in Israel, our guide, Tony, took us to the Old City of Jerusalem. The city today consists of four quarters–Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian. Our group walked the Via Dolorosa, the traditional route Jesus followed during His agonizing last hours as He made His way to the cross. The route begins in the Muslim quarter and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian quarter. During our walk, Tony stopped us at a street corner.

“At certain times in this spot, you can hear Jewish prayers, Christian hymns, and the Muslim call to prayer, all at the same time.”

I looked around the narrow streets. A mosque stood to my left, a Christian church to my right, and a little farther down the street, a menorah topped a Jewish synagogue. And in the midst, the area where Jesus suffered on His way to the cross to die for the sins of all mankind.

In John 16:33, Jesus says “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (NASB)

For lives ripped apart by strife and opposition, Jesus offers hope. Through His death and resurrection, He conquered sin, hell, and the grave. When we belong to Him, He gives peace in the midst of chaos. The peace the world promises is fragile, fleeting, and superficial. The peace of Christ is eternal, incomprehensible, and transforming. And when hearts are transformed, lives change.

As I pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the peace of the world, I think of the invitation Jesus extended in Matthew 11:28-30. “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (NIV)

May a weary and war-torn world come to Jesus. His arms are wide open.

What comforts you as you pray for this world? Please share your comments below.