Reflections in preparation of sermon based around Mark 4:35-41 and Philippians 4:4-9
God calls us to be a people of peace and
for peace. Peace is an easy word to say but a much more complicated way to
live. The opening line of the St. Francis prayer is: Lord, make me an
instrument of your peace. To become an instrument means that you are more than
a noisemaker and are not useful alone. It takes someone playing an instrument
to make music. It takes notes and rhythm to make sense of the music. It takes
practice to make the music beautiful. So also is how we live as peacemakers and
those who are instruments of peace. We are called to work with God, to
practice, to be a part of community in order to affect change and see peace in
our lives, communities, country, and world.
3 Questions For Reflection
- What does it mean to have a peace that passes
all understanding? How can that take shape when anxiety or fear floods
takes hold?
- “Quiet” “Be Still!” If Jesus were to speak
these words to you today, what would they mean?”
- What are some ways that you can be a peacemaker
this week?
Discipline and Prayer: A Breath Prayer
Try praying the
words of the Prince of Peace into your body and soul: “Peace! Be still.” “Let
the peace of Christ rule in your heart” (Colossians 3:15) by praying a simple
Breath Prayer:
Breathe in and
appreciate the word of Christ as you whisper, “Peace…”
Hold your breath
momentarily to embrace the Word and the Spirit in your consciousness…
Exhale and let go
of stress as you whisper Jesus’ words to yourself, “Be still…”
By repeating this prayer in this physical way you’re renewing
your mind in the Word of God and seeking for God's words and Christ to govern
your whole person, seeping down from your thoughts into your emotions, your
body, your social connections, and your soul. (Taken from http://www.soulshepherding.org/2012/03/peace-be-still/ )
Building Yourself as an Instrument of Peace
Honing your skills as an athlete, musician, dancer, artist, etc all take time and practice. It takes goals and a community that is working together for a common goal in order to hone that skill properly and wonderfully. The same happens with honing skills as a peacekeeper and most certainly as a peace maker. We live in a world that is in deep need of peace. In a time that we have to lean on the peace that surpasses all understanding and works beyond the hearts and minds of one person, one group, but transcends human limitations. We are to work at it, try new things, play "scales" of peace that are route and tedious. The work of peace is not instant. We are not Jesus in the boat calling the storm "Silence! Be Still!" instead we are called to work on keeping the boat floating and the people on it safe in the midst of the storm. Calling out for Jesus to calm those storms.
The peace prayer of St. Francis asks the Lord to make them an instrument of peace. Not a sword of peace, not a pen of peace, not a word of peace. But an instrument. Something that needs to be played, practiced, used. Something that makes noise. Something that embraces other instruments and players.
How can we be instruments of God's peace today?
Joyfully,
Rev. Kristy Ray
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