From Praying the Names of God Week Twelve, Day Five
The Name
Shalom is a Hebrew word, so much richer in its range of meanings than the English word "peace," which usually refers to the absence of outward conflict or to a state of inner calm. The concept of shalom includes these ideas but goes beyond them, meaning "wholeness," "completeness," "finished word," "perfection," "safety," or "wellness." Shalom comes from living in harmony with God. The fruit of that harmony is harmony with others, prosperity, health, satisfaction, soundness, wholeness, and well-being. When you pray to Yahweh Shalom, you are praying to the source of all peace. No wonder his Son is called the Prince of Peace.
Key Scripture
So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD is Peace. (Judges 6:24)
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Friday
PROMISES ASSOCIATED WITH GOD'S NAME
To live in the presence of God through the power of the Holy Spirit is to be at peace—at peace with God, with others, with ourselves. He is the source of true shalom, of prosperity, harmony, safety, health, and fulfillment. No matter how turbulent our world becomes, we can be at peace, showing forth his presence regardless of circumstances.
Promises in Scripture
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22)
Happy are those who find wisdom,
and those who get understanding. . .
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace. (Proverbs 3:13, 17 NRSV)
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)
Continued Prayer and Praise
Pray this blessing over your family. (Numbers 6:22-27)
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. (Isaiah 66:10-12)
Pray for the return of peace to your own life. (Lamentations 3:19-24)
Pray for the peace of Christ to rule in your heart. (Colossians 3:12-17)
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Meet your spiritual ancestors as they really were: Less Than Perfect: Broken Men and Women of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them.