"A Peace That Guards Our Hearts and Minds."

“May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God…” Philippians 4:7

Dear Friends,

​In his letter to the Philippians, writing from prison in some of his very last words before his death, Paul tells us not to worry when things look bleak or uncertain, to be gentle with ourselves and the world around us.  He assures us that there is transforming power and freedom in praying and giving thanks, in rejoicing for all life’s circumstances.  And there is the mysterious gift of a Peace that the world cannot give, a Peace that guards your heart and mind, like a sentry guards a tomb, to keep it safe.  

​As we trust God’s love and providence, all things are possible.  Paul invites us to think not on our circumstances but to think over and over on higher truths, excellence, honor, justice, purity, and most of all on love, which transcends everything.  I’ve noticed that giving thanks, as practice, even when I don’t feel grateful, will always renew my spirit.  I read that giving thanks, as a practice, is practically good for your heart.  It lowers our blood pressure, reduces our stress, and opens us to new possibilities.  

​Each Sunday, when asked to bless the congregation, I often use Paul’s words, followed by: “And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you forever.  Amen”. I love sending us out to love and serve the Lord, touched by these words of Peace.  

​Last Sunday, I pronounced that dismissal on a congregation with the acute knowledge that our country was only 26 hours into actively fighting a war in the Middle East, where bombs, destruction, and death were certain and real. While we may lament the war, abhor the violence and destruction, Jesus calls us to pray for all involved anyway. 

​Paul was in dire, hopeless circumstances, facing death, but Paul learned from Jesus that his prayers were vital and life-giving. Making our prayers for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and women on Sunday, more vital and necessary. Until the war ends and those serving return to their families safely, our prayers for the service members and their families carry real power, must persist and deepen now, more than ever. 

​Until violence ends and normal life returns for those living in the wake and fallout of war on all sides, peace may seem truly illusive and impossible.  At the same time, I do believe God’s persistent grace does follow us around every day, inviting us to trust God in the midst of war, in turmoil, in anxiety, and in uncertainty.  

​Paul’s words invite us to trust God when bombs fall, when illness comes, when pain and death come, with all our worries and fear, even as we pray that the Peace of God will fall on and cover the whole world.

In Iran, Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, in Birmingham, Chicago, Montgomery, and India and Pakistan, we pray, faithfully, “May the Peace of God, that passes all understanding, keep all our hearts and minds in knowledge of God’s love…and may God’s peace reign, prevail, and guard every heart forever.”  

​I invite our parishes to pray on Sunday for those serving in the armed forces.  

And I invite us to pray daily:  “Almighty God, we commend to our gracious care and keeping all the men andwomen of our armed forces at home and abroad.  Defend them day by day with our heavenly grace: strengthen them in their trails and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Amen 

And also, 

​“Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever.” Amen 

I hope I see you at church soon.