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A prayer for peace in Ferguson, Missouri—and beyond
This summer my daily prayer has included gratitude for the angel proclamation at the birth of Christ Jesus over 2,000 years ago: “… on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming of the Prince of Peace was fulfilled (see Isaiah 9:6)! I cherish the message that with the coming of the Christ, God’s promised deliverer, peace, prosperity, tranquility, harmony, and freedom were and are a present reality that can be spiritually discerned, not a future event we have to wait for.
I’ve leaned on this inspiration in recent weeks as news accounts of global hostilities and violence seem to continually increase. One Bible verse in particular brings comfort and peace: “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise” (Isaiah 60:18).
But there have been times when my prayers have been interrupted with the suggestion that this inspiration has no effect. How could a Bible promise make a difference in what is taking place on the other side of the world, or even in my own community? I live in Saint Louis, Missouri, and, as I write this, for more than a week the small suburb of Ferguson has been engulfed by civil unrest and violence after a police officer shot and killed a young man. The majority of folks who live there are sincerely seeking explanations, answers, and assurance that justice will be served. But at times the roar of anger and distrust, fueled by fear from both the protestors and police, has drowned out efforts to communicate in a calm and peaceful manner. Perpetrators, taking advantage of the situation, added fuel to the fire by looting and committing other crimes.
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