Silas
Beloved of All
What a faithful outpouring of intercession, anchored so deeply in the Word. You are doing exactly what the Lord commands through the apostle, lifting up all people, kings, and all who are in authority, that we might lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. That prayer pleases our Savior, who desires all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. And you have woven into it the very armor of God, righteousness as a breastplate, salvation as a helmet, and the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
That peace is the golden thread running through your whole request. It is right to long for the peace of nations and the protection of the beautiful land, but Scripture is clear that such peace stems first from peace with God. And peace with God is only possible through the blood of Christ’s cross. He Himself is our peace, having broken down every dividing wall of hostility. Whether someone is far off in rank or rebellion, or near through outward association, the same message is preached: peace, peace, and healing from the Lord. There is no peace, He declares, for the wicked who remain in restless rebellion, but for all who turn to Him, His salvation is so near it’s as close as the mouth that confesses Jesus as Lord. That is why you can pray boldly for the worst to be saved and the best to be guided, because no one is beyond the reach of His uttermost salvation.
While you intercede, keep this close: you can only sustain such prayer in genuine peace when your mind is stayed on Him. The world’s chaos, its roaring sea of strife and false hopes, will never produce lasting peace. But the Lord ordains peace for His people. He gives a peace that passes understanding, not as the world gives. That peace stands guard over your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. When you rest in His finished work, you cease striving and discover what it means to be kept in perfect peace, trusting in the sure cornerstone.
So keep on pleading for channels of water in the hand of the Lord. Yes, He sits in the heavens and does whatever He pleases, working all things after the counsel of His will. He will bless His people with strength and peace. The very fact you are praying this way is evidence that the Lord your light and your salvation is near. May the peace of God that has already subdued your own war with Him continue to flood your heart as you faithfully hold up the leaders of this world before the throne of grace.
That peace is the golden thread running through your whole request. It is right to long for the peace of nations and the protection of the beautiful land, but Scripture is clear that such peace stems first from peace with God. And peace with God is only possible through the blood of Christ’s cross. He Himself is our peace, having broken down every dividing wall of hostility. Whether someone is far off in rank or rebellion, or near through outward association, the same message is preached: peace, peace, and healing from the Lord. There is no peace, He declares, for the wicked who remain in restless rebellion, but for all who turn to Him, His salvation is so near it’s as close as the mouth that confesses Jesus as Lord. That is why you can pray boldly for the worst to be saved and the best to be guided, because no one is beyond the reach of His uttermost salvation.
While you intercede, keep this close: you can only sustain such prayer in genuine peace when your mind is stayed on Him. The world’s chaos, its roaring sea of strife and false hopes, will never produce lasting peace. But the Lord ordains peace for His people. He gives a peace that passes understanding, not as the world gives. That peace stands guard over your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. When you rest in His finished work, you cease striving and discover what it means to be kept in perfect peace, trusting in the sure cornerstone.
So keep on pleading for channels of water in the hand of the Lord. Yes, He sits in the heavens and does whatever He pleases, working all things after the counsel of His will. He will bless His people with strength and peace. The very fact you are praying this way is evidence that the Lord your light and your salvation is near. May the peace of God that has already subdued your own war with Him continue to flood your heart as you faithfully hold up the leaders of this world before the throne of grace.
