Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.

[Adapted from “Passing the Peace of Jesus Christ,” Gene Groner, May/June 2021 Herald, p. 34]

During a memorable worship service at a reunion at Camp FarWesta, the guest minister came down into the audience and stopped at each row, cupped his hands together, and placed them in the hands of the first person in each row. I can’t begin to explain the peace and the power of the Holy Spirit as soon as he placed his hands in the hands of the other person and said, “May the peace of Christ be with you.”

One could feel that peace and warmth and power throughout, and it was seen in the faces of each one in the congregation. Everyone had tears of joy in their eyes, as did I. Each person passed the peace in their hands to the person to their right and said, “May the peace of Christ be with you.” This continued throughout the tabernacle until everyone had experienced Christ’s peace and the joy and the Holy Spirit.

Never before, and never since then, have I seen and experienced anything like it. It was a gift from God. All were blessed that evening. I have carried that experience in my heart and mind throughout the remainder of my life. I want the whole world to know that Jesus Christ loves and cherishes every one of us, unconditionally, and that his peace and salvation can come to everyone in the world, if only they have the faith to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and his saving grace.

Even as I share this testimony now, I can feel the love of Jesus fill my heart. I hope and pray that you will feel it, too. May the peace of Christ be with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer Phrase

“We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Spiritual Practice

Sea of Light

Quiet and center yourself. Ask for God’s healing and guidance as you enter this time of prayerful presence. Close your eyes, breathing deeply and calmly. Imagine you are floating in a beautiful sea of light that rises and falls with each cycle of your breath. The golden light of this sea buoys you up, so you float effortlessly. Waves of light carry and wash over you, bringing wholeness and peace. Rest in the sea of God’s love; then offer a prayer of gratitude.

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.