Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were
called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you
teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and
spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in
word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father
through him.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
Our lives are to be characterized by peace, the peace that only Christ can give. No matter what comes our way, we are not to fret and worry, because he has delivered us from sin and death and come to dwell in our hearts. This should be what others notice about us, a calm and peaceful nature, in contrast to the angst-ridden and chaotic nature we find in the world. Likewise, you call us to a life of gratitude for all you have done for us, to be thankful for every blessing and difficulty we experience, for we know that everything you send us is intended for our ultimate good. Let us immerse ourselves in your word, and so be equipped to encourage each other and to live our lives with the proper attitude of thanksgiving. May our songs of praise and everything we say and do be done in the right spirit and be pleasing to you. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our gracious Lord and Redeemer.
AMEN.