Teach the Children What Makes for Peace

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 14:19 to pursue what makes for peace. Peace has been on my mind a lot lately and it must have had a permanent location in Paul’s mind also. He calls our God, the “God of Peace” seven times in his epistles. In Ghana we have just recently had a victory for peace.

Last year there was a peaceful presidential election and a victory was declared.  Then came accusations of cheating and corruption.  The legal process was started and soon the highest court in the land was hearing the case that was televised for the whole nation to watch for over four months. After the plaintiff party made their arguments and the defending party made its arguments it was stated that the verdict would be announced at the end of August.   In I Timothy 2:1, Paul writes: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.  So, we prayed.  At the General Assembly of our partner church, we prayed.  On television, leaders from all the religious groups urged peace and prayer.  So the nation prayed.

I heard reports of people stockpiling food and supplies in the nation’s capital.  I knew of people who planned not to drive in the city and postponed trips fearing violence.  The verdict was made:  the election results stood and there was a collective holding of breath and there was peace! How beautiful are the feet of those who carry the good news of peace!  God has granted us peace in response to our prayers and the nations pursuing what makes for peace.

It struck me that the children were watching. Now they know some things about justice and peace. This is what they should expect as they grow up here in Ghana and this is what they will pursue in their future.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession:

Dear God of Peace, we give you thanks for leading the nation of Ghana into peace.  Thank you for all the leaders of all the religious groups who pursued peace in your name.  Please intercede in the Middle East and in every corner of the world that is threatened with war or is experiencing war and bring them peace.  Give us the strength to pursue what makes for peace and to teach our children to do the same.

In the name of the Lord of Peace we ask:  Amen

Gary Luallin

Gary Luallin serves with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana. He serves as a university professor.