Psalm 122

God. Abba. Father.

We love to worship you. Whether it is in our home, among tall trees in the woods, walking along the beach, in the heart of the city, or in a building designed for worship. You are with us always. We worship your holy name.

But there is something special about praying, singing, and communing with you in Jerusalem. It is where your people first declared your glory. It is where your temple stood in the ancient days. It is where our Savior walked on cobblestone streets. It is where he proclaimed the Good News. It is where he set people free from the bondage of sin. It is where he gave sight to the blind and healed the brokenhearted.

Today, as there has been since its founding, joy is found in Jerusalem. But there is also much angst. There is conflict and contentiousness. We weep knowing what happened to our Lord there. Yet, our hearts also leap for joy knowing that His life did not end in Jerusalem. No, our eternal life began in Jerusalem when He walked out of that tomb. So, we sing Hallelujah!

Today, we pray for the peace of the City of David. We humbly ask you to bring the perfect peace that is defined as “Shalom” throughout its streets, businesses, places of worship, and homes. And may your perfect peace radiate from there to the rest of the world.

We see the storied history of Jerusalem as a parallel for our own lives… filled with seasons of conflict, deep sadness, grief, loss, new life, hope, and great joy. Give us your perfect peace. We ask for your boldness and courage to be carriers of that special peace to those we meet today. May your love be reflected through our hearts and actions to others.

In the name of the One who is the Prince of Peace, Jesus.

Amen.