Psalm 122:⁶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. ⁷ Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.” ⁸ For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, “Peace be within you.” 

V.6 invites believers to pray for “peace of Jerusalem”, which makes sense given how often Jerusalem has been a conflicted city. In ancient times Jerusalem was attacked by other nations, but more important were times when the people of God were at war with one another.

When I look around me I see a country deeply divided. The level of vitriol and suspicion among Americans is frightening to me. I’ve never questioned that our country could withstand some level of inner turmoil, but I’m starting to wonder. The other day I listened to Joe Biden speak of his intention to bring Americans together (assuming his election survives the various legal challenges underway). And while I sincerely hope unity is at-hand, I’m not holding my breath. He would not be the first new president with good intentions to bring unity.

So when I read “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” I imagine a psalmist who saw a city so conflicted that only God could unite it. God was their only hope. God is our only hope. But God is enough. Lord bring peace to our nation. Our world. For without you we have no hope. Amen.