"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”

Psalm 122:6-8

The dominant theme of the final four verses is a prayer for ‘peace’. This word is shalom, which means much more than the absence of conflict. Shalom is a rich concept, suggesting completeness, justice, health, well-being, and protection. The world cannot provide this kind of shalom—such deep wholeness can only come from God. ‘Holistic flourishing’ is a helpful summary, for it applies to every aspect of life, including our inner life and outward relationships, speaking of an integrated wholeness and fullness. This beautiful idea is emphasized repeatedly in verses 6 to 8. Verse 6 contains a stunning Hebrew wordplay of four straight words, all of which have the core shalu or shalom sound: ‘Pray for (shalu) the peace (shalom) of Jerusalem (yerushalam), may those who love you be secure (yishalu).’ These concepts, which include safety and prosperity, are tightly bound together in this poetic Hebrew wordplay.

Apply

To find peace of mind and peace with others, we must first find peace with, and in, and of God; then nothing will cause us to stumble.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, in you is peace that passes all understanding. When I am struggling, feeling anxious and overwhelmed, remind me to come to you, thankful for the peace that only you can give.

(edited from Encounter with God)