Psalm 122  As the pilgrim traveled towards Jerusalem to attend one of the 3 annual feasts that the Law required, he might sing these "songs of ascents" ( Psalm 120-134)  This psalm brings us into the very gates of Jerusalem, crowded with travelers ready for the celebrations to come.  David, in this song, expresses the deeper desire of his heart - to go beyond the gates and up to the "house of the Lord".  To go up and "give thanks to the name of the Lord."  

David longed to see the tent that he had placed on that sacred site, replaced with a beautiful temple, a place fitting for the Name of the Lord.  He planned for it extensively and made sure that Solomon knew what to do. And, in this psalm, David offered up a prayer - "for the peace of Jerusalem." Necessary to make that happen:

"May they prosper who love you.

May peace be within your walls,

and prosperity within your palaces.

For the sake of my brothers and my friends,

I will now say, 'May peace be within you'

for the sake of the house of the Lord our God

I will seek your good." 

( v6-9)

We hear this exhortation often in Christian circles, " Pray for the peace of Jerusalem".  And, so we should.  But, I never realized that David went on to tell us what his prayer was exactly.  His prayer is for two things:  peace and prosperity.  Prosperity, in the sense of security and tranquility, safety.  David's prayer for Jerusalem's peace and prosperity is important only "for the sake of the house of the Lord our God." Not for government or commerce.  Not even for the pursuit of happiness in itself.  But, for the spiritual life of his people with their God. 

 It brings to mind Paul's prayer in I Timothy 2:2  where we are urged to pray for those in authority 

" ... in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity..."  Why?  Because, "this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." 

David's hope and prayers was for his people to always be able to come into the Temple and worship the Lord. 

Paul's hope and prayer was that no matter what country men live in, they would be free to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved through Jesus Christ. 

So, also that is our hope and prayer, for Jerusalem, for Washington, DC  and for every nation on this globe, that God would bring peace and tranquility to kings and presidents, to dictators and rulers, so that men and women will be able to know the truth about Jesus and be saved. 

Father in Heaven,  Jehovah Shalom, the Lord our peace,  we ask for Your peace in Jerusalem and in Washington.  Only You can bring tranquility to our lives and salvation for our souls.  We look to You once again, for You are the Giver of all grace, the Keeper of all Your children, the Savior who has adopted us into Your own family and we give You thanks.  We give You praise, Holy Father, for You are worthy of all our worship, our adoration, and our delight.  Fill us with Your Spirit and let our tongues speak forth Your glory today. Amen.