Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

 Jerusalem, we pray that you will have peace, and that all will go well for those who love you.  Psalm 122:6   Contemporary English Version

When this psalm was written, Jerusalem was where the throne of David was, and also where the dwelling place of the Lord was.  It was a city where God himself referred to as His City (Isaiah 45:).  So naturally, King David would want his city to be at peace so that the people could continue to come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord God without any hindrance.  And the peace, that was spoken of here was not just where there was an absence of conflict or stability but also one where the people, who loved the city of Jerusalem, where the house of God was located, themselves would experience the blessings of God.

What then is the motivation for us to continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem?  As far as we can tell in today's context, any peace that has existed in Jerusalem, and Israel as a whole, has only been temporary and fragile.  Moreover, Luke 21:24 says that “Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”  That statement alone says that there will never be any lasting peace in Jerusalem until Jesus returns.  God's will will always be done, and may His will be done.

So instead of asking why we should pray for the peace of Jerusalem, we should ask how we should pray for Jerusalem.  Jerusalem still has an important role in God's scheme of things, especially in events yet to come. Also, the promise in Psalm 122:6, is that all will go well for those who love Jerusalem.

Therefore, we can pray:

• that the Holy Spirit touch the hearts of everyone who has not experienced the real peace that only God can give, and surrender their lives to Jesus who is the savior of their souls.
• for the leaders, political and religious, to repent and seek God's forgiveness that they may walk in righteousness.
• for peace between the different groups of people with differing interests and ideologies, that they may not resort to violence to settle their differences.
• that God may cause confusion among those who desire to destroy the city and its inhabitants, thereby thwarting their evil plans.
• for the Day of the Lord to come quickly so that the new Jerusalem can be established, where the Prince of Peace himself will dwell amongst those he has redeemed.

Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus!