Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant us Peace), ELW 753
Devotion
Dona nobis pacem, pacem. Dona nobis pacem.
Dona nobis pacem. Dona nobis pacem.
Dona nobis pacem. Dona nobis pacem.
Ralph Vaughan Williams, writing in 1936, produced this simple hymn as his plea for peace by referring to recent wars and during the growing fears of a new one. His text was taken from the poet, Walt Whitman, who wrote in the time of the Civil War, 1861-1865. And to this day, the wars continue. But we continue to join in the song of the ages, "Grant us Peace." We pray for peace not only among the nations but also in our communities, our church, and in our families. It all begins as we receive from the Lord Jesus his promise, "My Peace I leave with you." As we trust in the peace he gives, we have the opportunity to pass on the peace in our words and actions. As we "pass the peace" in our worship, let that be a reminder that passing the peace is also a part of our ministry in daily life.
Prayer
Help us Lord to identify a place in our lives where we join our Lord in answering the prayer, "Dona nobis pacem." In Jesus' name. Amen.