Topical Bible: Peace: Pray for That of the Church

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The concept of peace is central to the Christian faith, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible. Peace, as understood in the Scriptures, is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of well-being and harmony that comes from God. It is a state of spiritual tranquility and wholeness that permeates the life of believers and the community of the Church.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently exhorts believers to seek and maintain peace. In the Old Testament, peace (Hebrew: "shalom") is a comprehensive term that encompasses completeness, welfare, and harmony. The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing peace as a fruit of the Spirit and a hallmark of the Christian life. Jesus Christ is referred to as the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), and His coming is associated with the establishment of peace on earth.

Peace in the Church

The early Church was encouraged to live in peace and unity. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often urged the Church to pursue peace. In Ephesians 4:3, he writes, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This verse highlights the importance of peace as a binding force that maintains unity within the body of Christ.

In Colossians 3:15, Paul further instructs, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful." Here, peace is not only a communal goal but also a personal calling for each believer, suggesting that the peace of Christ should govern the hearts and interactions of the faithful.

Prayer for Peace

Prayer is a powerful tool for seeking peace within the Church. The Bible encourages believers to pray for peace, both individually and corporately. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul urges, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." This passage underscores the role of prayer in fostering a peaceful environment conducive to godliness.

The Psalms also provide a model for praying for peace. Psalm 122:6-7 says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you prosper. May there be peace within your walls, and prosperity inside your fortresses.'" While this prayer is specifically for Jerusalem, it reflects a broader principle of interceding for peace within the community of God's people.

Challenges to Peace

Despite the biblical mandate for peace, the Church has historically faced challenges in maintaining it. Conflicts, both internal and external, can disrupt the peace of the Church. James 4:1-2 addresses the root of such conflicts: "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?" This passage points to the internal struggles and desires that can lead to discord.

To overcome these challenges, the Church is called to embody the teachings of Christ, who said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). Peacemaking involves active efforts to resolve conflicts, promote understanding, and foster reconciliation.

The Role of Leadership

Church leaders play a crucial role in promoting peace. They are tasked with shepherding the flock and ensuring that peace is a priority in the community. Hebrews 13:17 advises, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. Allow them to do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." Leaders are called to guide the Church in a manner that encourages peace and unity.

Conclusion

The pursuit of peace within the Church is a divine mandate that requires prayer, effort, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By seeking peace, believers reflect the character of Christ and fulfill their calling as members of His body.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 122:6-8
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Corporate Union of Church Bodies: Bases and Terms.
... Unity, NY, 1909, 459 pp."WR Huntington: The Peace of the Ch ... Prayer, by which ministers
are bidden to 'pray for Christ's Holy Catholic Church, that is ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/ii the corporate union of.htm

Prayerless Christians
... for all men, are to pray especially for rulers in Church and state, "that we may
lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." Peace on the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/v prayerless christians.htm

Purity and Peace in the Present Lord
... soul, secret of the true unity of the group, and of the Church. ... pray as the great
means to a divine unanxious peace; and that we are called to pray in the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moule/philippian studies/chapter xi purity and peace.htm

The Deepest Need of the Church Today is not for any Material or ...
... a woman who had more of the wonderful peace of God ... with God and who knows how to
pray, there is ... Bishop of Europe in the Methodist Episcopal Church, tells that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter xi the deepest need.htm

Epistle xxxix. To the People, Concerning Five Schismatic ...
... for you continual prayers to the Lord, who desire that you should be recalled to
the Church by the clemency of the Lord, who pray for the fullest peace from God ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xxxix to the people.htm

Reverence in Worship.
... said to Christ, "Lord, teach us to pray," and our ... be assured beforehand, that if
they come to Church to have ... God in the highest, and in earth peace, good-will ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon i reverence in worship.htm

Epistle xxvi. Cyprian to the Lapsed.
... Granted, Because They Say that Paulus Has Given Peace to All ... that all may be made
alive; and we pray that, by ... certain lapsed ones claim to be the Church, and if ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xxvi cyprian to the.htm

Of the Church
... to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ... it in our Liturgy, when we
say, "Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church militant here on ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 74 of the church.htm

Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church.
... Church; but rebuking the faithless for their discord, and commending peace by His
word to the faithful, He shows that He is rather with two or three who pray ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise i on the unity.htm

The Day of Rejoicing
... received inspiring letters from their Patriarch, stirring them up to realize the
ideals of the spiritual life and to pray for the peace of the Church. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/forbes/saint athanasius/chapter 7 the day of.htm