Praying for Refugees: 4-Day GuideSample

Day 3 - Praying for refugees: Peace

Peace: Freedom from disturbance; tranquility.

Reflection

In life's daily chaos and busyness, we take for granted what it means to understand others and be understood. Familiarity robs us of the awareness of good things in our lives. If we have a need, we can communicate that and hopefully find a way to fulfill it.

But imagine being in a place where everything is unfamiliar—the language, food, clothes, streets, expectations—everything. Add to that the traumatic experience that forced you to leave behind your home and everything you knew.

Pause for a moment: What would that feel like? What thoughts would go through your mind? What emotions would you experience?

In the Bible, the word for peace in Greek is eirenes; in Hebrew, it's shalom. It means "to join together that which has been separated or divided; quietness, rest, wholeness." For those displaced from their homeland, acceptance and hospitability are gateways to much needed peace.

Extending peace to others requires both our actions and our presence. It requires a willingness to step outside our comfort zone and embrace Jesus' call to be peacemakers, bringing peace where it currently doesn't exist. Refugees come to America (and other countries where they're resettled), fleeing difficulty in pursuit of safety and peace. God calls his people to be an answer to that prayer.

Prayer

Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be my peace. Thank you that no matter what circumstances I face, I know you're with me and for me. As I seek to walk in the peace you've purchased for me, help me offer that peace freely to others. Align my heart with yours. I surrender my talents and resources to be used by you to bring peace to others, especially immigrants and refugees. Push me beyond myself so I may reflect the love and compassion of Christ to those who need it most. Amen.