My daughter texted me this morning about the drama swirling at her work. I have been praying for my daughter throughout the day today … praying specifically that God would bless my daughter with grace and peace.
Grace. Grace to respond wisely and tactfully in a tension-laced circumstance. Grace to “turn the other cheek.” Grace to let offenses go. Grace to be kind in all things.
Peace. Peace … instead of anger. Peace … instead of frustration. Peace … instead of worry. Peace … instead of fear.
Grace … and peace.
Grace and peace are what the Apostle Paul prayed for the people of Rome, as he began his letter to them: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 1:7
Grace and peace are what the Apostle Paul prayed for the people of Corinth, as he began his letter to them: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 1:3
Twice Paul prayed grace and peace for the people of Corinth: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 1:2.
Grace and peace are what the Apostle Paul prayed for the followers of Jesus across Asia minor (also known as the region of Galatia), as he began his letter to them: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Galatians 1:3
Grace and peace are what the Apostle Paul prayed for the followers of Jesus Christ living in the city of Ephesus, as he began his letter to them: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 1:2
Grace and peace are what the Apostle Paul prayed for the followers of Jesus living in the city of Philippi, as he began his letter to them: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:2
Almost all the letters in the New Testament begin with the author praying Grace and Peace for the recipients. When you have a moment, flip through your New Testament and take a look the opening verses of each letter. It’s a fascinating exercise to see how the authors of the Bible pray God’s grace and peace for the people of God.
I came back home this morning, after a busy morning of my own tasks which God has called me to do … and I realized that while I had been praying grace and peace for my daughter, God had been giving me grace and peace too, in the situation I had been in that morning as well.
Grace and Peace.
Grace to remain calm in the chaos.
Grace to let the love of Jesus flow freely through us.
Peace to not be anxious.
Peace to not be worried.
Peace to not get frustrated.
When life swirls like a tornado, it’s extremely helpful to intentionally set aside time for peace and reflection. It’s vital to intentionally set aside time for calmness. (even if it is just a tiny sliver of time carved out)
Yes, God blesses us by giving us grace and peace in the moment … as we are caught up in the swirl of everyday demands, tension, drama, and crises!
But God’s grace and peace can be cultivated and nurtured in our soul as we intentionally set aside time for calmness … peace … and reflection.
Grace … and Peace.
Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
