A Prayer for Peace on Earth and in Our Homes - Your Daily Prayer - December 8

A Prayer for Peace on Earth and in Our Homes
By: Alicia Searl

Bible Reading:
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.  Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.” - Luke 10:5-7

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Some of us have that natural ability and talent to play, “hostess with the most-est.” You experience it from the minute you walk into their homes, as the ambiance is there. Upon entry, their place just smells heavenly; they tend to your every need, and you can easily see that they have put a lot of thought into everything, from the menu to the seating arrangements. 

Now, I will be the first to admit, I have never been the Pinterest momma that can pull off a picture-perfect party or gathering, but when my daughters were younger, I loved hosting events and having people over for the holidays. It was fun, and I even loved planning for it all! 

However, as my daughters have grown, my hospitality barometer has slowly declined, and I would rather opt for a small gathering on the down-low than an over-the-top party with a crowd of people and a galore of décor. Let’s just say I couldn’t set up a balloon arch to save my life.

But with the holidays on the horizon, I may not have much say on the matter. Especially since my sister (who is the most incredible hostess I know, and the greatest party planner of all time) sweetly reminded me that it is my turn to host Christmas this year. Sadly, my initial response was not one of joy, but rather a surge of stress. Thankfully, Jesus humbled me, as He usually does, and over the past couple of days, my heart has slowly softened, and I am warming up to the idea of gathering with family and friends and loving on my favorite people. 

The art of hospitality reminds me of the story found in Luke 10, when Jesus sent out seventy-two of His disciples into various cities to spread the good news of the kingdom of God. Yet, there was no fanfare or anything elaborate. Instead, the method for doing this was very simple. As they traveled two-by-two, they were to fully rely on the hospitality of others to graciously welcome them into their homes. Upon entry, they proclaimed, “Peace to this house.”  If peace was apparent, they would receive the blessing of hospitality. If not, peace would be rendered back to the disciples, and they would continue on their mission, moving on to the next home or town. 

I’m assuming the disciples were greeted into homes with various hospitable hosts, ranging from elaborate meals and exceptional service to simple snacks with meek and mild hosts. Yet they all portrayed peace and bent an ear to hear the message of hope.

As a body of believers, we are to promote peace by welcoming those into our homes with the love we have for Christ. We are also to enter the homes of family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers with that same expression of love. This is where our mission field begins – in our humble homes.  

So, whether you are playing hostess this year or not, and whether you decide to make it elaborate or simple, “peace on earth” begins at the front door. As we cheerfully welcome all inside or step into another home this season, let’s soften our hearts and be ready to spread tidings of comfort, joy, and peace! 

Let’s Pray:

Father God, we are so very grateful that You provide a beautiful model for us in Your Word on how to give and exchange the gift of peace through our actions of hospitality. May we not focus on the stress of hosting or the “how” to celebrate, but rather place our sights on “who” comes to our doors, and humbly greet each guest with grace, love, truth, and peace.

Please help us spread peace on earth, starting with the atmosphere we create within our homes. O God, we welcome You into our hearts this beautiful season and pray that we make an impact by showing generous hospitality through radiating Your precious peace. Amen.

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Photo Credit: Pexels/cottonbro 

Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy.  Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

Related Resource: Advent Meditations

This Advent season can be full and hurried, which is exactly why we need moments to pause and be still with God. So Much More is a podcast created to bring you space to be with God. In this short, guided prayer, you’ll return to Psalm 62:5–8, the passage from this week’s meditation on hope. Together, we’ll breathe deeply, rest in God’s presence, and ask Him to renew our hope—trusting that the One who came once will come again. If you like what you hear, subscribe to So Much More on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!

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