Blessed are the Peacemakers

How about joining the Peace Corps! Now, I realize many of our readers are no longer able to serve for extended periods of time in third world countries. But YOU can join a corps of peace–makers without leaving home — through your prayers of intercession. One of the Hidden Heart Ministry’s most effective efforts is intercessory prayer on behalf of marriages, families, those in authority, and His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven! We are praying for all of you who have been touched by our ministry. While revolutions, uprisings, violence, and the calls for anarchy seem to be exacerbating all over the world, in our cities, and in families, it’s obvious that the human race is desperate to know peace.

Lasting peace starts with the advent of Jesus in our hearts and homes. (Romans 5:1) Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, prophesied that “the Sunrise (the Messiah) would visit us from on high … to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79) Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the way to peace! All of our dissatisfaction, warring, envy, strife, jealousy is rooted in spiritual hunger. We long to be filled, satisfied with life-sustaining food. And Christ is that food; He said, “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35)

How do we then become instruments of peace when the calls for war are echoing all around us (and sometimes within us)? We are privileged to be appointed to a royal priesthood; through Jesus Christ we have been granted direct access to His throne. And, he instructed us to make “… supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth …” (I Tim. 2:1-4) Jesus wants us to lead peaceful, stress-free lives!

God works where we cannot – in the hearts and minds of people. The big wars and small skirmishes all reflect spiritual brokenness. Jesus has been granted all authority in heaven and on earth. Through Him, we are invited, exhorted to be participants in this emissary mission – through our prayers. Here are a few suggestions for being a peace–maker through intercession.

Offer up a sacrifice of praise, acknowledging His supremacy over all peoples. King David turned away judgment in his nation through praise and petition.“… David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.” (II Samuel 24:25)
The Psalmist wrote, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:6) By all means, God would have us pray for the peace of Jerusalem, but that city is representative of all cities where God is worshipped. Pray for your city and our nation, for all those in authority that they receive mercy, grace, wisdom and the humility to acknowledge that heaven rules.
Offer up prayers for salvation for those who plot and plan war, whether it be the insurrection taking place under your own roof, the organizations acting in defiance of law-enforcement, fanning the flames of anarchy, or the international terrorists. Paul wrote of God’s purpose: “ … through Him (Christ Jesus) to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of the cross.” (Colossians 1:20) Pray for salvation for them, revelation knowledge of His Lordship and the blood of Jesus shed for their sin. They are facing spiritual starvation and certain death. And, be encouraged, you who are the royal order of priests! You are re-shaping our war-torn landscape into the peace of Christ!

Our prayer teams meet weekly and pray fervently. If you would like us to pray for you or to join us, please send an email to hiddenheartministry@gmail.com.

“The prayer of a righteous person [clothed with the robe of righteousness from Christ Jesus] has great power as it is working.” James 5:16b