Promote Peace

If it is at all possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – (Romans 12:18, NIV)

Do the best you can to live at peace with everyone. – (Romans 12:18, ERV)

If it is within your power, make peace with all people. – (Romans 12:18, VOICE)

The only thing that we can control is the way that we choose to interact and react to those around us. If our heart is determined to love in all that we do, we are promoting peace through our words and actions. We can be at peace with those around us, even if they are not interested in the same. As we walk in forgiveness, we do not carry the weight that holding grudges creates. On our own, this is an impossible ask, yet with Jesus, we are equipped and empowered to love and forgive and be at peace in all things and at all times. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love and pray to Him to provide peace within us wherever we go.

Peace is possible,

wherever we go;

as we live at peace,

with all whom we know.

The choice, it is ours,

to love in all things;

respond like Jesus,

so goodness we bring.

Wherever we go,

whatever we do;

Lord help us bring peace,

as we choose love true.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to peace. Thank You that You do not merely call us to peace, but You equip and empower us to be at peace with those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have held onto hurts or have grown a grudge against another. Teach us to release all things into Your hands, for You are just and good, and trustworthy with all things. Show us how to love those around us in ways that promote peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen to Your leading and rely on Your love. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. – Psalm 34:14

Heavenly Wisdom

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. – (James 3:17, ESV)

But the wisdom that comes from God is like this: First, it is pure. It is also peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help people who have trouble and do good for others. This wisdom is always fair and honest. – (James 3:17, ERV)

Heavenly wisdom centers on purity, peace, gentleness, deference, mercy, and other good fruits untainted by hypocrisy. – (James 3:17, VOICE)

This sort of wisdom is not natural, but rather it comes from God. As we pray and spend time with God, He grows such wisdom within us. It is not an arrival whereby we suddenly have this sort of wisdom, but rather it is an ongoing process as we invest in Him. Not only do I want to give such wisdom but desire to be the recipient as well. The adage, “You get what you give” is the hope I hold as I try to live accordingly. May we ever seek the Lord to grow His wisdom within us so that we may operate accordingly with those around us.

Lord, help me be pure,

In word, thought and deed;

Show me all the ways,

To live by Your creed.

Jesus, be my peace,

In all things, always;

So I too extend,

Peace throughout my days.

Help me be gentle,

In ev’ry response;

So Your love’s made clear,

Lord, You call the shots.

Help me be grateful,

And easy to please;

Ready to help out,

Others in their need.

Show me what is fair,

To walk honestly;

May Your heart be seen,

As I live justly.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us what it is to walk in Godly wisdom. Thank You that we are a work in progress and that You grow us in Your wisdom as we seek time with You. Forgive us for the times that we have spoken or acted in our own lack of wisdom rather than seeking You to lead us. Teach us to trust and rely on You, for You are all we need and more to truly love well and live with wisdom. Show us how to love and live wisely so that others may come to understand Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You anew every morning to grow us in Your wisdom to reflect Your heart more clearly to the world. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Human, the Lord has told you what goodness is. This is what He wants from you: Be fair to other people. Love kindness and loyalty, and humbly obey your God. – Micah 6:8

Peaceful Praise

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – (Philippians 4:6, NIV)

Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. – (Philippians 4:6, ERV)

Don’t be anxious about things, instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. – (Philippians 4:6, VOICE)

Yesterday was a whirlwind of a day, as mom was transported from the hospital to a skilled nursing center in her own retirement community. Though there was some nervousness on her part, the kindness of God was made evident through the people who were part of the process. From her nursing staff to the transport driver, and every person who interacted with us at her recovery place, it is very clear that God hears our prayers and is faithful to meet our needs. We are so grateful that there was space available for mom in her own community, as it is located minutes from where my sister and brother-in-law work and live. The mission of the skilled nursing place is to treat everyone with kindness and dignity, and clearly, they are committed to do so. It will be a process to heal and rebuild strength, but God is faithful to supply what is needed each day and has shown Himself faithful over and over again. May we ever seek the Lord in prayer to ask for what we need and give Him thanks for who He is and how He continually shows us His faithful love.

Lord, we are thankful,

For all You have done;

In love, You provide,

All grace through Your Son.

You meet us each day,

With love that is new;

You grant us the strength,

For what we’re to do.

You provide Your peace,

That settles our hearts;

And comfort chaos,

Show us where to start. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You settle our hearts and bring us the peace and strength we need to navigate all things. Thank You that You hear our prayers and supply all of our needs. Forgive us for our anxiousness as we encounter new challenges. Teach us to trust You in all things and at all times. Lead us to love those around us as You do, so that Your loving faithfulness is made evident to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and praise You for the peace, grace, and faithful love that You provide each day we draw breath. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13

Joy, Patience, and Prayer

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – (Romans 12:12, NIV)

Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time. – (Romans 12:12, ERV)

Do not forget to rejoice, for hope is always just around the corner. Hold up through the hard times that are coming, and devote yourselves to prayer. – (Romans 12:12, VOICE)

This is a timely reminder, as it is exactly what we need right now. Yesterday, I woke with fresh hope for our mom, as she had a great day on Monday. The day was a mixed bag, but after school there was much joy and anticipation for me as a coach. As we arrived and warmed up, all was well, and joy and hope were abundant. About ten minutes before the game, my sister called me with an update. Mom was having a rough day, as pain management was a challenge, and thus she was not wanting to participate in the physical therapy they had for her. Shortly after the news, I received a text from my pastor asking how she was doing. I replied and said a quick prayer for mom and went about the business of coaching. On my drive home, my sister called again to let me know that the day had totally turned around for the better! She participated in the afternoon physical therapy session, her pain was better managed, and steps were being taken to set up the transfer back to her own community in the skilled nursing center there. The plan is to move her on Thursday, so my Viking and I will be there to help and assure her as she moves closer to her own community and family. Gratitude floods my heart as I prepare to head mom’s way after practice today. Having wellness leave, I can take a few days to go and be with mom, my sister and her family, and we will even get to be present for my nephew’s senior night game in lacrosse. I continue to rejoice in God’s goodness and care for mom and hold fast to hope as she navigates healing and recovery. Prayer is present each time I think of her, and I am so grateful for the many who are also lifting mom up in prayer. May we ever seek the Lord with thanksgiving, trusting in His goodness and grace, for He is faithful to meet us in trials and triumphs, and ever hears us as we come before Him in prayer.

Rejoice in the Lord,

Not for that which comes;

But for who He is,

And all He has done.

The Lord is faithful,

He hears our heart’s cry;

He fills us with hope,

Good we can’t deny.

No matter what comes,

We’ve reason to hope;

God’s love’s forever,

Each promise He spoke.

So, trust in the Lord,

Give thanks for His grace;

Choose seek Him always,

He is why we pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for always having reason to rejoice in You. Thank You that You are our hope in good times and bad, and that Your love carries us when we are weary. Forgive us for our frustrations with the challenges that life brings. Teach us to navigate all things with joy and thanksgiving for who You are and the hope that we forever have in You. Show us how to pray continually. Lead us to love those around us well, so that they too may know the help and hope that You provide. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rejoice in Your goodness, stand firm in our hope in You, and pray continually because You are our help and peace forever. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

Our Hope and Our Help

We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. – (Psalm 33:20, NIV)

So we will wait for the Lord. He helps us and protects us. – (Psalm 33:20, ERV)

We live with hope in the Eternal. We wait for Him, for He is our Divine Help and Impenetrable Shield. – (Psalm 33:20, VOICE)

This morning, I woke in a surreal space as I am still trying to process reality. Last evening, my mom fell in her apartment and was injured. Thankfully, she was in a space where help was available right away, and after my sister arrived, mom was taken to the ER by ambulance. The good news is that she did not hit her head, but the challenge is that she broke her hip and will be having surgery either this afternoon or tomorrow. Another point of gratitude is that she was able to be transferred to a bigger hospital with a remarkable surgeon, and said surgeon is available and now in charge of mom’s care. Being 4.5 hours away makes for a heavy heart for me. I am one to hop in the car and get wherever I need to be, but unfortunately, such a trip would not be beneficial right now, as visitors are limited, and my sister is able to be present. This is the sort of space where I must wait in hope, and trust that God is mom’s Healer and Help in this painful place she is in. If you are one to pray, please include mom, as she needs extra strength to navigate surgery and the recovery process.

Lord, we are waiting,

With hope held in You;

Our faithful Healer,

And peace that is true.

With thanks, we trust You,

And all that You are;

Our hope and our help,

Wherever we are.

May Your protection,

Surround and bring peace;

Our great Comforter,

Through Whom love won’t cease.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our help and our protection throughout all our days. Thank You that despite what we see or do not understand, You are present to strengthen, give help and hope. Forgive us for our frustrations and fears when bad things happen. Teach us to lean further into You, for You are our hope, our help, our strength, and our protection in all things. Show us how to love those around us through challenges in ways that further our faith. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to be our help and protection, and to be overwhelmingly present for mom. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 124:8

Grace and Peace to You

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. – (1 Corinthians 1:3, NIV)

May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours. – (1 Corinthians 1:3, MSG)

I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, will shower you with grace and peace. – (1 Corinthians 1:3, VOICE)

Early Monday morning, before the busy of the week begins, a reminder of who God is and how He provides for us, are just the things needed to strengthen and encourage as we rise and ready ourselves for the day ahead. Though I know not what the day will hold, I do know that God’s grace and peace are things that empower us to walk out our days well. His peace surrounds and His grace cover so that we may live out each new day with love. May we ever seek the Lord anew every morning and pray His provision of grace and peace over those around us.

All grace unto you,

Wherever you go;

And peace be present,

So His love you’ll know.

Every good gift,

Is from God above;

Hope, help, and blessing,

That demonstrate love.

Lead us Lord Jesus,

To love as You do;

May words and actions,

Through love point to You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that because You love us all, You grant us Your grace and peace to navigate each new day. Thank You for the countless blessings that You provide us. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked grace or have disrupted the peace that is present through Your love. Show us how to purposefully pray Your goodness over those around us and fill us so that all that we say and do reflect Your grace and peace. Lead us in Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray Your peace and grace over those around us and praise You for Your overwhelming love. Amen.  

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13

How to Pray

He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your Name, Your kingdom come. Give us each ay our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” – (Luke 11:2-4, NIV)

Jesus said to the followers, “This is how you should pray: ‘Father, we pray that Your Name will always be kept holy. We pray that Your kingdom will come. Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive our sins, just as we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And don’t let us be tempted.” – (Luke 11:2-4, ERV)

So He said, “When you pray, say, Father, reveal who You are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with You and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.” – (Luke 11:2-4, MSG)

Prayer is often a space where people feel stuck or lost. Jesus knew the struggle that people had and provided a basic framework so that we would know how to get started. First, there is an acknowledgement of who God is – He is holy, and we need to know and understand more and more of who He is and how He loves. Second, we are to ask Him to supply the things that we need. We must ask to be forgiven and extend forgiveness to others. For as we forgive, is the same way in which we will be forgiven. Lastly, we need protection from temptation – both within ourselves and beyond. God is faithful to meet us as we seek Him. He hears every prayer – both those spoken aloud and those which we whisper within our own heart and mind. May we ever seek the Lord in prayer and pursue the path which He has placed before us with purpose.

Most Holy Father,

Unto You we pray;

For as we seek You,

You show us Your way.

In love, You provide,

All things that we need;

For body and soul,

With kindness You lead.

Forgive us our sins,

Where we have lacked love;

Help us forgive too,

Let good rise above.

For all that You are,

And all that You do;

Help us to give thanks,

All praise unto You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not need nor expect eloquent prayers, but rather You want us to be real with You and give You our gratitude and trust for who You are and how You love. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to pray and for the times that we only come to You with our laundry list of needs. Teach us to have a heart for prayer, as prayer is our heartfelt conversations with You. Show us how to love and pray for others. May many come into a lasting and prayer-filled relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray to You with grateful hearts that trust You in all things. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

I call on You, my God, for You will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer. – Psalm 17:6

Filled

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – (Romans 15:13, NIV)

I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in Him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit. – (Romans 15:13, ERV)

I pray that God, the Source of all hope, will infuse your lives with an abundance of joy and peace in the midst of your faith so that your hope will overflow through the power of the Holy Spirit. – (Romans 15:13, VOICE)

Hope, joy and peace through Christ are the very things that strengthen us to persevere when things are difficult. Joy is deep-rooted within us and is not dependent on our circumstances. The joy is found in knowing God and trusting that His plans are good. His peace, true peace, is an anchor through our storms and a green pasture to lie in beside still waters when we need rest. All around us are reminders of God’s goodness and grace. This morning, despite being woken up twice in the night by a restless dog, I am surrounded and snuggled by him and his sister, as I am enjoying the sweet silence of the morning and watching the morning sky change colors as I sip on hot coffee. God knows all of the little things that bless our hearts and reminds us of His love and tender mercy anew every morning, if only we look around as we seek Him. May we ever seek the Lord to open our eyes to His goodness all around us and recognize the hope we have in Him that infuses our lives with joy and peace.

Each day as we rise,

May we find anew;

The joy that we have,

In knowing the truth.

Hope overflowing,

For all that’s ahead;

Joy in the journey,

Peace as we are led.

His goodness abounds,

In all things, always;

No matter the road,

Beside us He stays.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our hope, joy, and peace in all things, always. Thank You that Your nearness is not dependent on our circumstances. Forgive us for our lack of faith when the road before us is rough. Teach us to trust You to lead us every step of our journey. Show us how to love those around us in ways that share the hope, joy, and peace found in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for who You are and how You love us all. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

The whole earth is filled with awe at Your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, You call forth songs of joy. – Psalm 65:8

Sharing is Caring

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. – (Acts 4:32, NIV)

The whole group of believers was united in their thinking and in what they wanted. None of them said that the things they had were their own. Instead, they shared everything. – (Acts 4:32, ERV)

During those days, the entire community of believers was deeply united in heart and soul to such an extent that they stopped claiming private ownership of their possessions. Instead, they held everything in common. – (Acts 4:32, VOICE)

We have wandered a long way from the heart of community that was held by the early church. Society today is “all about me” and “mine”. Though our lives look much different today than they did two-thousand years ago, the concept of sharing what we have with those who have none or not enough, remains the same. Our charge is still to care for the poor, the widows, and the forgotten. Clearly, we must be wise and be good stewards of what we have, but we ought to also look for ways to help those who are lacking and cannot help themselves. When I stop to try and figure out how to do this best, I become overwhelmed. However, if I am intentional to pray and listen to the Lord’s leading, He is faithful to show me ways that I can do small things with great love. It can be as small as a granola bar for a kid who missed breakfast, to giving to an organization that reaches those in the community with the greatest needs. Though none of us can do everything, each of us can do something. May we ever seek the Lord to show us how to share our time, talents, and resources in such a way that we hold nothing with closed fists, but instead, choose to have open hearts and extended hands.

O Lord, please show us,

What we’re meant to do;

To share what we have,

As we hear from You.

Lead us in Your love,

With arms open wide;

Help us clearly see,

As we choose abide.

Abiding in You,

Show us what’s Your way;

To give and to love,

Throughout each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to care for the poor, the widows, and the forgotten. Thank You that You see every need, and You care for every heart. Forgive us for turning a blind eye on needs, or for becoming so overwhelmed by what we see that we freeze and do nothing. Show us how to do each next small thing with great love. Lead us in Your abundance to give as You’ve given to us. Make clear the ways to love those around us best so that they may see Your heart through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to show us how to better live in community as people who have open eyes, hearts, and hands, to share what we have with those around us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. – Luke 6:38

Eternal Encouragement

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, NIV)

We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father will comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us and gave us through His grace a wonderful hope and comfort that has no end. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, ERV)

May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech. – (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, MSG)

The encouragement that Paul sent to the church through this letter, is still meant to be the same for us today. As we hope in Him, God shows us His love through Jesus and provides us with encouragement and strength in all that we do and say. His comfort continues throughout each new day, as hope in Him knows no end. Daily, we can receive the gifts that He offers as He grows our confidence in Him, for it is through Him that we find wonderful hope and unending comfort. May we ever seek the Lord to place a new heart in us to invigorate what we do and enliven what we say in ways that point people to the goodness of God.

The Lord, Jesus Christ,

And God our Father;

Grant us the good gifts,

To love each other.

Fresh hope to strengthen,

As we rise each day;

His encouragement,

That shows us His way.

May all that we say,

And all that we do;

Show Your gracious love,

And guide hearts to You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You loved us first, and that You strengthen us and grant us hope through Your unending goodness and grace. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to seek You or have somehow ignored Your help that was right in front of us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You to lead us in Your love and to guide us in Your goodness through all that we say and do. Show us how to love those around us in tangible ways that make Your heart known. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we intentionally seek You to lead us in Your love as You flood us with Your hope, encouragement and strength. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. – Colossians 2:6-7