"Peace" by Andrea Catlett
We live in stressful times. Everyone is stressed. Our kids, siblings, parents, grandparents, friends, co-workers—everyone! Talking about peace almost seems unreal. While writing these words, I happen to be in the process of moving both my family and my mom under one new roof, and it has been stressful. The simple activities I'm sharing here have been peace to my storm, and I hope they are to yours.
I have designed these reflections and activities to be as simple or detailed as you like. I have included a prayer, action and reflection, scripture to ponder, a peaceful meditation, and a picture to color. You may wish only to do the prayer and scripture, or maybe you prefer only to do the meditation. You could spend 10-15 minutes on this, or extend it to an hour.
I'm also including four additional experiences for your peace retreat time, in case you'd like to slow down the pace of your retreat and do one segment a day for 5 days. However you want to use these activities is entirely up to you. It is only a template for you to experience the precious peace of God.
I have designed these reflections and activities to be as simple or detailed as you like. I have included a prayer, action and reflection, scripture to ponder, a peaceful meditation, and a picture to color. You may wish only to do the prayer and scripture, or maybe you prefer only to do the meditation. You could spend 10-15 minutes on this, or extend it to an hour.
I'm also including four additional experiences for your peace retreat time, in case you'd like to slow down the pace of your retreat and do one segment a day for 5 days. However you want to use these activities is entirely up to you. It is only a template for you to experience the precious peace of God.
What you will need:
What you may need:
- A smartphone, tablet, or computer
What you may need:
- Printer
- Crayons or colored pencils. (I know coloring may seem childish, but during the shelter in place I really found a lot of tranquility when I decided to pick up a coloring book and color. You might find that you enjoy it, too.)
Prayer: A Prayer for Peace
God, you are the bottomless well of peace,
the heavenly sea of love,
the fountain of blessings,
and the giver of affection,
and you send peace to those who receive it.
Open to us this day the sea of your love,
and water us with the flowing streams of your grace.
Make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace.
Enkindle the fire of your love in us;
plant holy reverence for you in us;
strengthen our weakness by your power;
bind us closely to you and to each other
in one firm bond of unity;
for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Source: Syrian Clementine Liturgy, (attributed to Clement of Rome, c. 96). See additional reference information, below.
God, you are the bottomless well of peace,
the heavenly sea of love,
the fountain of blessings,
and the giver of affection,
and you send peace to those who receive it.
Open to us this day the sea of your love,
and water us with the flowing streams of your grace.
Make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace.
Enkindle the fire of your love in us;
plant holy reverence for you in us;
strengthen our weakness by your power;
bind us closely to you and to each other
in one firm bond of unity;
for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Source: Syrian Clementine Liturgy, (attributed to Clement of Rome, c. 96). See additional reference information, below.
Action and Reflection: One line that stuck out to me in the prayer was “and you send peace to those who receive it.” How can you open yourself up today to receive God’s peace? Alternatively, what word, phrase, or image stood out to you, and how can you reflect on it this day?
Scripture to Ponder: "I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!" (John 14:27 TPT)
A Peaceful Place Meditation (10 minutes)
A Page to Color
Scripture to Ponder: "I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!" (John 14:27 TPT)
A Peaceful Place Meditation (10 minutes)
A Page to Color
Are you interested in continuing with 4 additional peace retreat experiences?
Here are days 2, 3, 4, and 5, plus some extra ideas!
Or...
Here are days 2, 3, 4, and 5, plus some extra ideas!
Or...
Day 2
Prayer: The Collect for Peace
Almighty and everlasting God, you are the fountain of all peace, spiritual and temporal. We humbly pray, in your great goodness grant us that peace which the world cannot give, that we may ever live in your fear, obedient to your commandments, to the end that you may deliver us from all our enemies; through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Source of this variant: Modified from Altar Book of the Norwegian Church, Augsburg Publishing House, 1915. See additional reference information, below.
Prayer: The Collect for Peace
Almighty and everlasting God, you are the fountain of all peace, spiritual and temporal. We humbly pray, in your great goodness grant us that peace which the world cannot give, that we may ever live in your fear, obedient to your commandments, to the end that you may deliver us from all our enemies; through your dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Source of this variant: Modified from Altar Book of the Norwegian Church, Augsburg Publishing House, 1915. See additional reference information, below.
Action and Reflection: One line that stuck out to me in this prayer was “fountain of all peace.” What does that image mean to you, or how does it make you feel? Alternatively, what word, phrase, or image stood out to you, and how can you reflect on it this day?
Scripture to Ponder: Now, may the Lord himself, the Lord of peace, pour into you his peace in every circumstance and in every possible way. The Lord’s tangible presence be with you all.2 Thessalonians 3:16 TPT
A Peaceful Prayer Meditation (10 minutes)
A Page to Color
Scripture to Ponder: Now, may the Lord himself, the Lord of peace, pour into you his peace in every circumstance and in every possible way. The Lord’s tangible presence be with you all.2 Thessalonians 3:16 TPT
A Peaceful Prayer Meditation (10 minutes)
A Page to Color
Day 3
Prayer: Refuge and Peace
God,
full of compassion,
I commit and commend myself to you,
in whom I am, and live, and know.
Be the Goal of my pilgrimage,
and my Rest by the way.
Let my soul take refuge
from the crowding turmoil of worldly thoughts
beneath the shadow of your wings.
Let my heart,
this sea of restless waves,
find peace in you, O God.
You bountifully give all good gifts.
Give those who are weary refreshing food.
Gather our distracted thoughts and powers into harmony again.
Set the prisoner free.
See, he stands at your door and knocks.
Open it to him,
that he may enter with a free step,
and be quickened by you.
For you are the Well-spring of Life,
the Light of eternal Brightness,
where the just live who love you.
Let it be to me according to your word. Amen.
Source: Augustine of Hippo, Fourth Century. See additional reference information, below.
Prayer: Refuge and Peace
God,
full of compassion,
I commit and commend myself to you,
in whom I am, and live, and know.
Be the Goal of my pilgrimage,
and my Rest by the way.
Let my soul take refuge
from the crowding turmoil of worldly thoughts
beneath the shadow of your wings.
Let my heart,
this sea of restless waves,
find peace in you, O God.
You bountifully give all good gifts.
Give those who are weary refreshing food.
Gather our distracted thoughts and powers into harmony again.
Set the prisoner free.
See, he stands at your door and knocks.
Open it to him,
that he may enter with a free step,
and be quickened by you.
For you are the Well-spring of Life,
the Light of eternal Brightness,
where the just live who love you.
Let it be to me according to your word. Amen.
Source: Augustine of Hippo, Fourth Century. See additional reference information, below.
Action and Reflection: One line that stuck out to me in the prayer was “Be the Goal of my pilgrimage, and my Rest by the way.” What does that phrase mean to you, or how does it make you feel? Alternatively, what word, phrase, or image stood out to you, and how can you reflect on it this day?
Scripture to Ponder: "He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. That’s where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me the right path and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name. Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near." (Psalm 23:2-4 TPT)
A Peaceful Prayerful Meditation on God’s Love (11 minutes)
A Page to Color
Scripture to Ponder: "He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. That’s where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me the right path and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name. Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near." (Psalm 23:2-4 TPT)
A Peaceful Prayerful Meditation on God’s Love (11 minutes)
A Page to Color
Day 4
Prayer: Shelter Us in Your Mercy
Almighty God,
the refuge of all who are distressed,
in all troubles of this mortal life
draw us to you to find comfort
in knowing your loving-kindness
and tender mercy.
Shelter us in your mercy
that the storms of life may pass over us
and not shake the peace of God within us;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Source: George Dawson, d. 1876. See additional reference information, below.
Prayer: Shelter Us in Your Mercy
Almighty God,
the refuge of all who are distressed,
in all troubles of this mortal life
draw us to you to find comfort
in knowing your loving-kindness
and tender mercy.
Shelter us in your mercy
that the storms of life may pass over us
and not shake the peace of God within us;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Source: George Dawson, d. 1876. See additional reference information, below.
Action and Reflection: One line that stuck out to me in the prayer was, “Shelter us in your mercy that the storms of life may pass over us.” What does that mean, or how does it make you feel? Alternatively, what word, phrase, or image stood out to you, and how can you reflect on it this day?
Scripture to Ponder: "Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 TPT)
A Peaceful Meditation (12 minutes)
A Page to Color
Scripture to Ponder: "Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 TPT)
A Peaceful Meditation (12 minutes)
A Page to Color
Day 5
Prayer: Give Us Peaceful Hearts
Lord God almighty,
you are the true peace and love eternal.
Enlighten our souls
with the brightness of your peace,
and purify our consciences
with the sweetness of your love.
Give us peaceful hearts as we wait for you.
Guard and protect us in the adversities of this world,
surround us with your care,
that we may to give ourselves to the love of your peace.
Amen.
Source: Mozarabic Rite. See additional reference information, below.
Prayer: Give Us Peaceful Hearts
Lord God almighty,
you are the true peace and love eternal.
Enlighten our souls
with the brightness of your peace,
and purify our consciences
with the sweetness of your love.
Give us peaceful hearts as we wait for you.
Guard and protect us in the adversities of this world,
surround us with your care,
that we may to give ourselves to the love of your peace.
Amen.
Source: Mozarabic Rite. See additional reference information, below.
Action and Reflection: One line that stuck out to me in the prayer was “surround us with your care, that we may to give ourselves to the love of your peace.” What does that mean, or how does it make you feel? Alternatively, what word, phrase, or image stood out to you, and how can you reflect on it this day?
Scripture to Ponder: "May God’s mercy, peace, and love cascade over you!" (Jude 1:2 TPT)
A Peaceful Meditation (14 minutes)
A Page to Color
Scripture to Ponder: "May God’s mercy, peace, and love cascade over you!" (Jude 1:2 TPT)
A Peaceful Meditation (14 minutes)
A Page to Color
Other Peaceful Activities
- Journal all your worries
- Listen to music:
- I’ve found DappyTKeys on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music peaceful.
- During the Christmas season, I’ve also enjoyed Soothing Relaxation instrumental Christmas music.
- I’ve found DappyTKeys on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music peaceful.
- Go walk in nature.
- Do a peace Bible plan by searching “peace” under plans in the YouVersion Bible App.
- Do a night devotional in the Lectio 365 App.
- Do a meditation in the Second Breath App.
- Meet Jesus on Your Yoga Mat a video by Caroline Williams Yoga.
References
Day 1: Prayer for Peace
Day 2: The Collect for Peace
Day 3: Prayer: Refuge and Peace
Day 4: Prayer: Shelter Us in Your Mercy
Day 5: Prayer: Give Us Peaceful Hearts
Day 1: Prayer for Peace
- Source: Syrian Clementine Liturgy, (attributed to Clement of Rome, c. 96)
- Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, ed. J. Manning Potts, The Upper Room, Nashville, Tennessee, © 1953 (Public domain in the U.S.)
- Direct link.
Day 2: The Collect for Peace
- Source of this variant: Modified from Altar Book of the Norwegian Church, Augsburg Publishing House, 1915
- Direct Link.
Day 3: Prayer: Refuge and Peace
- Source: Augustine of Hippo, Fourth Century
- Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953
- Direct Link.
Day 4: Prayer: Shelter Us in Your Mercy
- Source: George Dawson, d. 1876
- Source of this version: Freely modified from Collects and Prayers for use in Church, United Lutheran Church in America, 1935, #247
- Direct Link.
Day 5: Prayer: Give Us Peaceful Hearts
- Source: Mozarabic Rite
- Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers Ancient and Modern
- by Mary Wilder Tileston, Boston, Little Brown, 1914, p. 171 #2
- Direct Link.
About the Facilitator
Andrea Catlett, MA
Andrea Catlett is a former pastor and has served a wide variety of ministries. She currently serves as a hospital chaplain. Through her education and experience, she has found prayer to be her constant calling. As a special needs mom and being disabled herself, she naturally advocates for those who need their voice heard in the healthcare system or simply a fellow friend.
Andrea Catlett is a former pastor and has served a wide variety of ministries. She currently serves as a hospital chaplain. Through her education and experience, she has found prayer to be her constant calling. As a special needs mom and being disabled herself, she naturally advocates for those who need their voice heard in the healthcare system or simply a fellow friend.
