Reflection

I am now a grandfather. I have three grandchildren. Two of them currently live in the city where I was born, raised, educated and employed. In fact, my grandchildren are the sixth generation of Edwards living in the city of Ipswich. Now in my sixties, I intend to see out my days in this city. My ancestors have mined the underground coal of this city, built successful businesses, represented the city in various Parliaments, played for the city in arenas of sport and served their city in so many ways.

If you read the Miner’s Memorial in the centre of the city, which lists all the coal miners killed in mining accidents, my great uncle Llewellyn is listed in the 1920 column.

From the very depths of my being, I LOVE MY CITY.

So, I understand David’s love for his city when he penned this psalm to be sung by pilgrims arriving in Jerusalem. His love for this city shouts from the stanzas of this composition.

What about you? When was the last time you paused your busy schedule and prayed for the city you live in? When did you make the last declaration of love towards your city? Imagine if everyone who is reading this today would now stop and pray for their own city. I know from experience that the true test of how much I love someone, or something, is if I pray for them. More than that, when I pray, God does something in my heart, and I grow in love for the very ‘thing’ I pray for.

So, let’s pray.

Prayer

Lord God, you who love the cities of this planet, I pray for the peace of [insert the name of your city here]. May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls, and security within the homes of all people in this city. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.’