†Rt. Rev. Dr. Vince McLaughlin, Th.D., D.Litt. Ph.D.
Shalom, Shalom Blessed Children of Abraham!
In Psalm 122:6 King David writes, “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem; May they prosper who love you.”
Count it up and you have twelve words in the English translation. In the more compact language of Hebrew, it’s only five: Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim yishlayu ohavaich. We will see below that each of these words gives an important truth.
The word “Pray” is sha'alu in Psalm 122:6 is in the Hebrew imperative; in other words, it is a command. God’s commands demonstrate His values for His people, who are to share in those values. The commands of the Holy One (haKadosh) are the convictions of His saints (or holy ones, kedoshim). We are a people of conviction and character because we have God’s priorities and values as the basis for our lives, and we are people of integrity as we live out the truth of His word and “observe all that He commanded” (Mathew 28:20).
Our prayer life evidences our shared values and priorities with YHWH - HaShem (THE NAME!), so that we obey the command, we identify with His priorities. To not pray for the Peace of Jerusalem is disobedience and a lack of identification with the Lord’s priorities. No prayer, no priorities.
The Diocese of the East has dispersed love gifts to assist in the relief efforts in Israel. We are currently supporting Jews for Jesus, One for Israel, and ARDR who is partnering with CMJ-USA (ACNA) for Israel war relief. It is not a lot but even a wee bit helps the Kingdom's purposes.
If you would like to contribute to what the DOE is doing in this endeavor please make a check payable to the DOE and note for Israel War Relief Fund.
Please continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.