Hear Us, and Grant Us Peace

To be heard; to have peace: these are deep universal human desires. Not to be heard brings great frustration. All people have known, to one degree or another, the desperation of having something critical to say, but finding only barriers. We also have a deep-rooted need for peace, the kind that allows one’s energies to be directed to the highest good. More than surface-level personal peace, we want the substantial peace wrapped into the Hebrew hope for shalom. Being heard quiets our inner desperate cry, “Please, hear me!” Knowing peace involves far more than the absence of contention, it ushers in mutual accord, harmony, and justice for all.

In core Christian thought we locate the fulfillment of these desires in God. In the conversations Jesus had with his disciples are his invitations to be with him truly, and in this sharing to learn from him: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and over-burdened, and I will give you rest! Put on my yoke and learn from me and you will find rest for your souls.” (Mathew 11:28-29) Jesus promises his disciples he will welcome them into his own home, so they may be where he is (John 14:3). Jesus describes to them the relationship he will bring about (John 16:23-24): “If you ask the Father for anything in my name, he will give it you…Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.”  Paul urges Christians in Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God, which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.”

Indeed, peace is often the profound greeting Jesus gives the disciples (John 14:27): “I leave behind with you—peace; I give you my own peace and my gift is nothing like the peace of this world. You must not be distressed and you must not be daunted.” I think the translator, J.B Phillips puts it well there. When Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection he comes into their midst as they huddle behind locked doors, saying, “‘Peace be with you!’ Then he showed them his hands and his side, and when they saw the Lord the disciples were overjoyed. Jesus said to them again, ‘Yes, peace be with you!’” (John 20:19-21). This blessing for his gathered followers points to the universal blessing he intends and promises to the whole world.

So it is, that we know God leans in to hear us, and we know the gift of God ultimately is complete and perfect peace. With this confidence we pray the prayer this coming Sunday in our Collect of the Day:

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Feel this prayer supremely. The things of heaven and the things of earth: God governs all. We are asking the One, sovereign over all, mercifully to hear us and to grant us peace. God does hear us and surely is the God of Peace. Each person who was healed personally by Jesus in his earthly ministry had been overwhelmed by their affliction, and in the experience of healing, they felt the universe itself had taken notice of them. It is an epiphany moment: the glory of God shines in to show divine favor. That divine favor, grace extends to you. You are heard, and you are being ushered into the realm of absolute peace.