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Peace

"There is no need to worry; but if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving, and that peace of God, which passeth all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 4:6-7

Thankfully, “the peace of God that passes all understanding” does not simply mean the peace of God is such a mystery that man's mind cannot understand it, even though that is true! It means that the peace of God is so precious that man's mind, with all its skill and knowledge, can never produce it. It can never be of man's doing; it is only available through God.
 
Much of the scriptures talk of peace: Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6, quoted above, there is no need to worry; there is a great invitation to a relationship with God in which we bring to Him our requests and needs, and know the peace of God as we learn to trust Him. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." There is so much to encourage us. As we read scripture, we are reminded of the love of God, the wisdom of God and the power of God–all things that can calm our hearts.
 
I find I am most at peace when I am at home with my wife, Kathleen, and at other times when we are with children and grandchildren. As a priest, I am at peace when I am doing a service, reading scripture and prayers, and celebrating the Eucharist. I hope in doing that I can share the peace I experience with others. Some other most peaceful times are in the morning during my daily prayer time with my old friends the Bible, Prayer Book and Forward Day By Day, and at a time of reflection.
Yet, how do I find this peace? Over the years, I have come to realize the way to peace is in prayer, to entrust ourselves and all we hold dear to the loving hands of God. We can take everything to God in prayer. “There is nothing too great for God's power, and nothing too small for his fatherly care."
 
Prayer for today:
May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.
BCP, p.339
The Rev. Nicolas (Nick) R.D. Dyke
Pastoral Associate
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