Passing the Peace
Wendy Ballard of Forster, New South Wales, Australia
All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the Lord;
and all the families of the nations
shall worship before him. -Psalm 22:23a, 26-27
I am fortunate to get to share with some awesome children. Each week at our school, we have a peacemakers’ program. We include children from different faiths.
One day we placed a small piece of paper with the word “PEACE” on a table. With the use of only a plastic straw (no hands), each child had to find a way to pass the “peace” to one another.
Some blew the paper across the table; some created suction to lift and drop the paper. It was fun for them to work out the best way for them. We then talked about other ways to share peace with others. The kids came up with many ways, and their creativity impressed me.
One bright and bubbly peacemaker boldly piped up, “We pass the peace at our church, and it’s nice because everyone is talking, and hugging, and shaking hands. Passing the peace is a good thing to do!” We then practiced his way with one another.
You and I have the opportunity to pass the peace with the many people we meet in our day-to-day routines-work, school, home, and with those who serve in a commercial way. We can use words of greeting, a smile, a hug, or even friendly eye contact that says, “I care about you!”
May we pass the peace whenever and wherever we go.
Prayer Phrase
“Attention is the beginning of devotion” (Mary Oliver).
Spiritual Practice
Holy Attention
Engaging in the practice of holy attention allows us to suspend our inner conversations and agendas and give reverent and receptive focus to a specific person or portion of God’s creation. Regarding another as an unrepeatable miracle whose life journey is unique and sacred brings awareness to and affirmation of God’s presence in all creation. We do this in the spirit of Christ who saw into the deep hearts of people and recognized their true identities as God’s beloved. Spend time this day in prayerful attention to God’s creation, to the people in your life, and to your daily surroundings.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
