Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Lord, there is a peace

that follows the storm.

There is a peace of purpose,

a peace in knowing

that the storm has ended,

the winds have stilled

and that this is not the calm

before the storm, but the peace

that follows after when the captive 

sun breaks free from the clouds

and reveals Your divine plan.

Lord, it’s the peace

that followed Jonah

after

spending three days in

the belly of a fish.

It is the peace

that followed Moses

after

he spoke to the burning bush

and left with his sandals still in his hand.

It is the peace that came

to the disciples

after the crucifixion,

after the resurrection,

after You set tongues

of Holy fire upon them

and sent them into the world

to preach Your Good News.

It is the peace of purpose

that follows the storm.

O, Lord, bring us

that peace today.

Calm the winds.

End the rains.

Let Your divine purpose

break free and shine upon us.

Quiet our restless hearts

and send us into the world

with the strength and courage

of knowing it is Your hand

that guides us.

Amen.