Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. ~Psalm 122:6
In shop windows in Jerusalem we spot a hand-lettered card bearing this phrase from Psalm 122: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”
It strikes me. Before seeing that verse in this location, I never thought that praying for Jerusalem’s peace might be an imperative, an instruction from scripture. Truth be told, Jerusalem always seemed far away from my normal life, remote in both distance and realities.
Now, as a pilgrim, I am achingly aware of my lack of expertise in this region’s complicated history. Praying for peace here seems both more foolish and more important than ever. Do I dare pray for something impossible?
I vow to take the words of the Psalmist to heart. During what remains of this Lent I will open my heart and pray daily for the peace of Jerusalem.
How does the news you hear from Israel and Palestine affect your spiritual life?
Prayer: O Lord, grant peace to Jerusalem.
This material is adapted from my book, Chasing the Divine in the Holy Land.
The photo is mine, taken in the Suk in Jerusalem.
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