Peace Like a River

"My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought; 

my sin, not in part but the whole

is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more.

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, O my soul."

Peace. In today's world it seems like a foreign concept. Nations are at war with each other. Political parties are engaged in ideological battles. Brothers and sisters, parents and children, husbands and wives find conflict in the midst of their daily lives. And we often find ourselves struggling within our own minds and hearts. It's quite easy to get caught up in all of the strife, when what we really need to focus on is peace - for ourselves and for each other. Take a minute and breathe - be still and let it be well with your soul.

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.