Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace." That phrase keeps playing over and over again in my head.  I'm not complaining.  I love the phrase.  It is my sincere, honest, plain-spoken prayer.  It is a prayer that we can pray "without ceasing."

Okay, but what does it mean to be an "instrument" of peace?  Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God."  Is a peacemaker kind of like being a noisemaker for peace? No! Noisemakers do nothing more than make noise at parties, rallies or sporting events.  Peacemakers serve a far greater purpose. 

As followers of Jesus, we are called to do more than make noise, we are invited to make peace. Peace making involves building relationships with others that exhibit honesty... respect... trust... tolerance... mutuality...

Jesus drew near to Jerusalem as his days on earth drew to a close.  He looked out over the city and began to weep, "If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!" (Luke 19:42).

A few days later he gathered with the disciples in the upper room. "Peace I leave with you," he said, "my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).  Following his death and resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and reminded them of his earlier promise, "Peace be with you."  Jesus offered his peace as a gift to be enjoyed, celebrated and shared with others. 

Peace is not a political position to be argued in the public arena but a spiritual gift to practiced in the public arena.

The key word here is "practice."  Peacemaking requires practice.  As instruments of peace we need to "recognize the ways that make for peace," and practice them.  Practice makes perfect. 

Here's some practical wisdom that will help us to become a skilled peacemaker:

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.  For

“Those who desire life

    and desire to see good days,

let them keep their tongues from evil

    and their lips from speaking deceit; 

let them turn away from evil and do good;

    let them seek peace and pursue it."(I Peter 3:8-11)