For he himself (Jesus) is our peace,
who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. Eph. 2:14-15 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, thank you for making peace between God and us. We will be grateful forever. Through your finished work, we haven’t merely been reconciled to God, but have also become objects of his affection and children of his protection—daughters upon whom his favor rests, and sons in whom he greatly delights.
Thank you for tearing down the dividing wall between Gentiles and Jews—and other people groups as well. Only you can replace hostility with hospitality, racism with reconciliation, and make enemies into closest friends. Only you can turn enmity into empathy, combativeness into compassion, and loathing into loving.
In you, Jesus, differences no longer have to be barriers that exclude, but can become bridges that unite. Diversity becomes a bouquet of beauty when the gospel is in play. Thankfully, nothing is impossible for you.
As we enter this October Monday, we are desperate for your enmity-destroying, heart-gentling peace among us, Jesus. High dividing walls (with barbed wire on top and shards of glass) have been erected between friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
The issues are real. We see things differently—politically, spiritually, culturally, environmentally (to name a few). We have different stories, real traumas, and are easily triggered. Help us, Jesus.
As those who know you, help us engage with mercy and grace. It’s not about “playing nice,” but offering redemptive presence. May we be salt and light in an hour of rage and darkness. It’s not about winning, but loving. Help us, Jesus. So very Amen we pray, in your merciful and mighty name.