By Sandee Gamet of Independence, Missouri USA

I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will bless them and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary among them forevermore. My dwelling place shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

One description of the Holy Spirit’s “job” is to connect human hearts. This description has proven to be true over and over as I witness individuals who are deeply listening to another’s life experiences.

We listen to each other in two ways—with our heads and with our hearts. When we allow our hearts to be part of the listening, we hear and understand in ways not possible if we listen only with our heads.

I have seen individuals who have felt hurt by each other. Often they come to the conversation ready to protect themselves from further pain. In the midst of the safe space each person has been touched by the Holy Spirit to offer heart space in their listening. Each time I am reminded of the “job” of the Holy Spirit to change people from protecting themselves to being open to the other. Through the Spirit’s presence they have shared their pain, authentically acknowledged each other, and moved toward reconciliation.

I have been part of dialogue groups where diverse perspectives were present. In other kinds of discussions, different perspectives often lead to debate and attempts to discount differing viewpoints. Yet when the participants invite the Spirit to be present, they hear new information and gain a new view of those who hold differing perspectives. They often find ways to remain in community in the midst of those diverse perspectives.

At a recent World Conference, the topic of nonviolence came before the body. Sue Ann Allen and I facilitated two different discussion groups on the first Saturday of Conference. Although strong perspectives of support or opposition to the resolution were present, speakers risked sharing their thoughts because they sensed the security of the Spirit’s presence. Whether I am with one person or many, I intentionally remind myself how powerful the “job” of the Holy Spirit is.

Prayer Phrase

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20).

The International Community

Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.