This week we’re using a variety of songs as aids to our prayers. Singing and praying often go hand in hand. These songs are peace themed, meant to help us pray for the peace of Jesus in our lives and in our world.
Today’s Bible reading and an excerpt
Read John 14
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.
Today’s song and an excerpt
My Peace by Woody and Arlo Guthrie Lyrics
“My peace my peace is all I’ve got that I can give to you
My peace is all I ever had that’s all I ever knew
I give my peace to green and black and red and white and blue
My peace my peace is all I’ve got that I can give to you
My peace, my peace is all I’ve got and all I’ve ever known
My peace is worth a thousand times more than anything I own
I pass my peace around and about ‘cross hands of every hue;
I guess my peace is justa ‘bout all I’ve got to give to you”
More thoughts for meditation
Woody and Arlo Guthrie are favorites of peaceniks from the 20th century. For decades their songs provided solace and rally cries during the bloodiest era the world has ever seen. The Guthries crafted this song from the words of Jesus, occasionally giving him credit for the inspiration of the song.
Pray
Jesus gave us his peace, so you could sing this as if you are meditating on the words Jesus says to his disciples: “My peace I give to you.” Or, sing the song and let Jesus be that Peace that you give, like Paul said, “He is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14)
Today is Menno Simons Day! Visit this significant spiritual ancestor at our sister site: Celebrating our Transhistorical Body.