Today’s Reflection
WHEN WE LIGHT the candle of peace, we affirm Isaiah’s vision that peace will come on earth. As we move closer to the birth of the Prince of Peace, we are acutely aware of all the places in the world, in our families and relationships, and in our hearts that have not achieved peace. Peace is a vision, a hope, a promise made by the Holy One—that there will be a time when peace will prevail.
—Beth A. Richardson, The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God During Advent and Christmas (Upper Room Books, 2009)
Today’s Question
What is your prayer for peace? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
“The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.”
—Psalm 29:11 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
Clear away the clutter, O God, that I might have more room for you.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room .
Something More
Slow down, simplify, and add a burst of color to your Advent. The spiritual practice of coloring mandalas (circular designs), lighting candles, and praying regularly can help us stay centered on God during this busy time of year. Give it a try. Color as you pray this Advent season.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
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12 Comments
“Be still and know that I am God,” Psalm 46:10,
May the peace of God be with you!
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did,
this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
Thank you Mary-
Beautiful.
Blessings to you this day-
Your positivity warms my heart.
AMEN.
My prayer for peace is that others would be able to have the peace which I have experienced since September of 2017. Glorious, steady, precious peace. I pray it for my dad – that in his deep sorrow, he will be open to the peace and comfort of Our Father. I pray it for my friend’s daughter – who continues to wrestle with gender identity issues and is so impacted by her peers. I pray it for those here and their loved ones…for Julie and her unfortunate living circumstances, for Erich and his quest to find the right job, for Marcy and her needs.
Father – I am humbled by the peace You have bestowed on me, that my heart can quietly, yet confidently say – “all is well”.
I pray for peace in my family this Christmas season- my son will leave on Christmas Day to be with his girlfriend and their family- that is a huge difference but I know that life changes – I pray for peace in my own heart as I continue to accept that my life is very different and my children are walking their own paths- sometimes not the paths I would choose for them but I know that they are very good and loving people- I pray for more “church” in their lives. They all believe but none regularly worship which I would love to see. I pray for peace in their own hearts as they continue to grow. I pray to one day have peace regarding my divorce – I am working on that as you all know- I pray daily for God to grant me that peace.
Prayers for all here at the UR. For peace, hope and love in this Christmas season.
Thankful for a wonderful Christmas concert last night and a safe trip there and back, sad to learn of the passing of a church member.
Yes, Mary’s prayer and words are what we should all remember. Thank you,
Mary. I’m thankful for the peace Jill has, prayers that her Dad will have this peace too. Your prayers for Marcy, Julie, Erich and the UR family are mine as well. Lou, life after the loss of a spouse, no matter what way it happened, is tough, I think we all agree on that. I’m thankful that your children believe.
What our children do after they leave the nest can also be tough to witness.
I pray for the best for all children, despite their growth they remain our children always.
God’s peace is the peace I pray for, may it be with everyone. It is offered to everyone, may this precious gift be accepted.
There is progress for Erich in these areas: researching the items he hopes to sell in his business, learning how to use Ebay, preparation for a dj performance, painting the kitchen, and being ready for the ski season.
Thank You, Lord for the blessings of each new day. Guide us as we turn to and acknowledge You. May all accept Your peace.
I find that reciting, inwardly, my Lectio Divina passage gives me a sense of peace. Sometimes I repeat it silently to myself over and over.
Yesterday I took a long walk in the falling snow., and I am grateful for the ability to do so. It is one of the most peaceful things I know.
Psalm 4:8 – I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Blessings and prayers.
Yes mary, I recite the Serenity prayer every morning. This prayer centers me and reminds me of so many truths. I only control myself, God does not promise an easy life, but God does promise an eternal life with Him that is wonderful and pain free.
Prayers for Mary and her wonderful Christian example to others of faith and sacrifice for others.
Prayers for Jill and Larry, may both receive God’s peace and comfort. Prayers for the young woman facing gender identity uncertainty and peer pressure and ridicule. May she have the safe space to explore her gender and be allowed to draw her own conclusion with assurance of unconditioinal acceptance.
Prayers for Lou as she struggles with her divorce and empty nest.
Prayers for Robert and Erich, may Erich find his true north and may Robert enjoy peace and good health.
Prayers for Andrea and her renewed ability to enjoy her walks again.
Prayers for Marcy, hold her Lord and comfort our sister who is in so much pain and is experiencing so much need. Send local angels to help her through this dark period. Oh, I cry to You in my helplessness.
Prayers for BJ and her family and Rick and his husband.
Prayers and thank you UR
It has come to a point in my 81 year old sister’s disease, Alzheimers, that we must move her from her Assisted Living apt into Memory Care. In the last few weeks, this has been a very rocky road, causing our relationship to be strained as I move forward in getting her the care she is definitely needs. We are in so much need of prayer for a smooth transition and healing. God has been with us thru this entire journey but we aren’t there yet. It hurts so to see her confusion, agitation, and emotional pain. Thank you so much Upper Room family for all your thoughts and prayers…
It has come to a point in my 81 year old sister’s disease, Alzheimers, that we must move her from her Assisted Living apt into Memory Care. In the last few weeks, this has been a very rocky road, causing our relationship to be strained as I move forward in getting her the care she definitely needs. We are in so much need of prayer for a smooth transition and healing. God has been with us thru this entire journey but we aren’t there yet. It hurts so to see her confusion, agitation, and emotional pain. Thank you so much Upper Room family for all your thoughts and prayers…
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