Advent: Peace

Dec 3

Petitionary Prayer is a favorite form of prayer. Here, I mention by name people in various categories: those dealing with cancer or other illnesses, those going through separation and divorce, those with addictions, those incarcerated, and the list goes on. I always end with a special prayer for my family, mentioning them by name from the oldest sister to the youngest niece. Forever, I prayed for peace in the world, especially in the Middle East. Over the last ten years or so, more time has been spent in this ever growing category praying for peace in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Sudan, Myanmar, Pakistan, India, Ukraine, Russia, peace in our world and nation, especially the halls of Congress, peace in our streets, in our church, in our families, and in our heart and soul. There is much to pray for peace, and the list is not complete.

What is it that I desire? The peace I long for has a greater respect for one another, an appreciation of difference, an acceptance that includes all regardless of disagreement, opinion, preference, and all other descriptors. It’s a longing for better harmony, less discord, anger, hostility, and violence. This is more of an external peace where we seek ways to help one another, as opposed to seeking power to control. It issues forth in charity, service, and cooperation. It has no time for violence, harsh rhetoric, hubris, self-promotion, immaturity, and demonization. It admits to a profound sense of introspection and humility. It manifests itself in understanding and love. In service to others, we ask for help in our weakness and vulnerability, knowing others have God-given gifts to assist us.

Internal peace is that formidable assurance that God has a plan, is with us always as a people, and more intimately, in a one-on-one relationship as if we were the only ones to exist, yet never to the detriment of all others. Internal peace is about this intimate relationship “alone with the lone.” It brings calm and safety at all times, especially in the midst of chaos in our world and in our personal lives. It helps us to see that some things are not in our control, save a surrender to God at all times, a little better than the previous surrender. Inner peace is not passive. It strengthens us to speak and to act up when the situation calls for this, especially to be the voice or force for the voiceless or powerless.

Inner peace is found in prayer, centering solely on God and the incredible realization that this all-loving God takes the initiative in this relationship, seeks daily communication, and so desires us, whole and entire. Peace knows a God whose time with us is the present, here and now, calling us to “present moment living” where we seek to know and love God better by recognizing God in each present moment, in the task and the people that grace us.

Advent invites us to “present moment living” by exhorting us to be alert, attentive, awake, and ALIVE to the now, this present moment, and not thinking about any other. Such present moment living energizes us for the next present moment and a deeper appreciation for God, making His presence known.

Inner peace also allows us to accept our sinfulness, areas where we need God’s grace and forgiveness directly or through another. Present moment living, especially with peace, helps us to work on such things.

St. Francis de Sales encourages us to live the present moment intentionally with great enthusiasm and love. Advent offers us a new beginning to do so, to work for that “peaceable kingdom” where lion and lamb lie comfortably together watching the child touch the adder without fear, for all have found this peace. Let us journey toward that mountain of the Lord, sensing the rays of peace to get us there.