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I. THE OBJECT FOR WHICH WE ARE TO PRAY.

1. That saving peace may be given to many persons.

2. For the peace of the congregation to which we belong.

3. For the peace of that branch of the Church with which we are connected.

4. For the peace of the whole Church of Christ.

II. THE COMMAND TO PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF THE CHURCH. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem."

1. The persons to whom it is addressed. It is given to all the children of God.

2. Those persons who have broken the peace of the Church and who are to be overcome by prayer. Even good people, by an inadvertent word or deed, or by a mere blameworthy course of action, have done much to injure the cause of Him whom yet they love so much.

3. Him to whom prayer is to be offered. It is to be made to God. He is the hearer of prayer. He only can deliver the Church from the unhappy effects of the inadvertencies of friends, or from the malignity of enemies.

III. THE PROSPERITY PROMISED TO THOSE WHO PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF THE CHURCH. They will prosper —

1. By receiving an answer to their prayer.

2. In their souls.

3. According to the fulness of the meaning of the promise. It embraces our every interest, whether of body or of mind, or as connected with one's family, or with the congregation or Church to which we belong, or with the Church at large. It is a God-like promise.

(John McKay.)

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KJV: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

WEB: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you will prosper.