Prayer for Peace During Dissertation Writing
Prayer for Peace During Dissertation Writing
Prayer for peace is a recurring theme in Christian tradition, with roots in biblical texts such as Psalms 122:8, where the psalmist prays for the peace of Jerusalem, saying, "For the sake of my brethren and my companions, Let me speak, I pray thee, `Peace be in thee'" [1]. This sentiment is echoed in other Psalms, where the psalmist expresses a desire for peace, even in the face of adversity (Psalms 120:7) [2].
In the context of dissertation writing, prayer for peace can be understood as a request for inner calm and tranquility amidst the challenges and pressures of academic work. The biblical emphasis on peace is not limited to personal tranquility but also encompasses the well-being of the community. For instance, John Gill notes that praying for the peace of Jerusalem includes praying for the welfare of the church and the unity of its members [3].
The early Christian tradition also underscores the importance of prayer for peace. Lactantius, in his writings, emphasizes the need for bishops to encourage the faithful to live peaceably together, suggesting that prayer should be accompanied by a commitment to reconciliation [5]. Similarly, Augustine prays for the "peace of rest" that is not subject to the vicissitudes of life, indicating a desire for a deeper, spiritual peace [6].
The Reformed tradition, as represented by John Calvin, highlights the significance of prayer as a perpetual exercise of faith, emphasizing that prayer is essential for deriving daily benefits from one's relationship with God [8]. In this context, praying for peace during dissertation writing can be seen as an expression of trust in God's providence and a recognition of one's limitations.
The Anglican tradition, as reflected in the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, includes prayers for peace in various contexts, such as during times of crisis and for the armed forces [4, 7]. These prayers demonstrate a concern for peace that extends beyond personal tranquility to encompass the broader community and societal well-being.
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, John Chrysostom's writings on prayer emphasize the importance of seeking peace "at all times, in all ways" [9]. This comprehensive approach to prayer for peace aligns with the apostle Paul's benediction in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, where he prays that the "Lord of peace" grant peace to the Thessalonian believers "always by all means" [10, 11].
Praying for peace during dissertation writing, therefore, is not merely a personal plea for relief from stress but is rooted in a rich biblical and theological heritage that values peace as a divine gift. It reflects a commitment to seeking God's presence and guidance amidst the challenges of academic work.
The practice of praying for peace in this context can take various forms, from personal, spontaneous prayers to more formal, liturgical expressions. Regardless of the form, the underlying conviction is that peace is a gift from God, and that prayer can be a means of receiving and experiencing this gift.
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 122:8 (YLT) — For the sake of my brethren and my companions, Let me speak, I pray thee, `Peace <FI>be<Fi> in thee.'”
- Psalms “I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war. -- Psalms 120:7”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 122:5: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,.... This is said to the persons that solicited the psalmist to go into the house of the Lord; to the truly godly among the tribes that went thither to worship; to his brethren and companions, for whose sake he wished well to Zion; to praying souls, who should not be singular and selfish; not only pray for themselves, but for others; for all saints, and for the church of God in general; for Jerusalem, not merely literally considered; though as that was the metropolis of the nation, and many of them the psalmist addresses were inhabitan”
- Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican) “Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican, 1571), A Prayer in Times of Crisis: A Prayer in Times of Crisis Acclamation Acclamations Blessing and Dismissal Blessing Blessing Blessings and Ending Blessings and Endings Confessions Creation Dismissal Dismissal Extended Preface Extended Preface Extended Preface For Favourable Weather in Time of Need Gospel Acclamation Gospel Acclamation Gospel Acclamations Harvest Thanksgiving Intercession Intercessions Intercessions Introduction Introduction to the Peace Introduction to the Peace Introduction to the Peace Invitation to Confession Invitation to Co”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 7: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius — THAT THE BISHOPS MUST BY THEIR DEACON PUT THE PEOPLE IN MIND OF THE OBLIGATION THEY ARE UNDER TO LIVE PEACEABLY TOGETHER.: LIV. Wherefore, O bishop, when you are to go to prayer after the lessons, and the psalmody, and the instruction out of the Scriptures, let the deacon stand nigh you, and with a loud voice say: Let none have any quarrel with another; let none come in hypocrisy; that if there be any controversy found among any of you, they may be affected in conscience, and may pray to God, and be reconciled to their brethre”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 1: Augustine — Confessions, Letters — CHAP. XXXV.- HE PRAYS GOD FOR THAT PEACE OF REST WHICH HATH NO EVENING.: 50. O Lord God, grant Thy peace unto us,for Thou hast supplied us with all things, -- the peace of rest, the peace of the Sabbath, which hath no evening. For all this most beautiful order of things, "very good" (all their courses being finished), is to pass away, for in them there was morning and evening.”
- Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican) “Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican, 1571), A Prayer for the Armed Forces: A Prayer for the Armed Forces A Prayer of Commemoration Acclamation Additional Resources Alternative Intercessions An Act of Commitment An Act of Penitence An Order of Service for Remembrance Sunday An Order of Service for Remembrance Sunday Blessings and Ending Blessings Christ the King Collects Confession Confession Extended Preface Extended Preface Gospel Acclamations Gospel Acclamations Intercession Intercessions Introduction to an Act of Remembrance Introduction to the Peace Introduction to the Peace Introdu”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 75: 2143 CHAPTER 20. OF PRAYER—A PERPETUAL EXERCISE OF FAITH. THE DAILY BENEFITS DERIVED FROM IT. The principal divisions of this chapter are,—I. Connection of the subject of prayer with the previous chapters. The nature of prayer, and its necessity as a Christian exercise, sec. 1, 2. II. To whom prayer is to be offered. Refutation of an objection which is too apt to present itself to the mind, sec. 3. III. Rules to be observed in prayer, sec. 4-16. IV. Through whom prayer is to be made, sec. 17-19. V. Refutation of an error as to the ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: upon them by prayer, adding prayer and supplication, like certain marks set upon things that are laid up. “Give you peace,” he says, “at all times, in all ways.” For since it was likely that contentions would arise from these things, those men becoming exasperated, and the others not supplying such persons so readily as formerly, he with good reason now offered this prayer for them, saying, “Give you peace at all times.” For this is what is sought, that they may ever have it. “In every way,” says he. What is, “in every”? So that ”
- 2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: Lord of peace--Jesus Christ. The same title is given to Him as to the Father, "the GOD of peace" (Rom 15:33; Rom 16:20; Co2 13:11). An appropriate title in the prayer here, where the harmony of the Christian community was liable to interruption from the "disorderly." The Greek article requires the translation, "Give you the peace" which it is "His to give." "Peace" outward and inward, here and hereafter (Rom 14:17). always--unbroken, not changing with outward circumstances. by all means--Greek, "in every way." Most of the oldest manuscript”
- 2 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: Now the Lord of peace himself,.... The Prince of peace, who is peaceable himself, and the author of peace in all his churches, and who requires peace, calls for it, and encourages it: give you peace always by all means; both a conscience peace, through the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ, and faith in them, which passes all understanding, and which, when he gives, none can take away; and a church peace, being freed from all such disorderly persons and their abettors, the disturbers of it: and indeed, the way to have true peace and prosperity i”