For in its peace, you will have peace

Posted on April 15, 2026, 10:15 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

Prophet Jeremiah in his letter to the remaining elders and all other captives who were carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar instructs them to seek the peace of Babylon and pray to the Lord for the city despite being in captivity. He concluded that it is in the peace of the city that the captives will have peace. “For in its peace you will have peace.” (Jer.29:7) The message of the letter did not just ask them to pray for the peace of the city; it also let them know that it is when the city is at peace that the captives can enjoy peace. The captives were simply being instructed to commence intercessory prayer for the captors. It means that intercessory prayer which is the act of praying or acting as a mediator to seek God on behalf of others can be extended to those who oppose one and not limited to the loved ones. There are examples of God chosen leaders in the Old Testaments era that intercedes for the people of God. Abraham intercedes for Lot (Gen.18:16-33) Moses intercedes for the children of Israel on several occasions. (Ex.32:11-14, Num.14:11-20, 21:7) Christians are also expected to intercede for others, most importantly for the lost. The Bible says, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Tim.2:1-2) Christians are being encouraged to pray for the nation, the people in authority and for all men. Prayer should be directed to those who are in civil control of the nations to maintain peace and allow peaceful environment. Because, where there is conflict, the preaching of the gospel is hindered and the minds of those to whom the preaching is directed are often diverted from spiritual things. Therefore, interceding for the people in authority to maintain peace is essential, for it is in the peace that Christians and non-Christians can have peace. Aside from fulfilling biblical command, intercessory prayer is of immense benefit. It draws one into deeper intimacy with God because prayer itself is a way of establishing personal communication with God. It transforms one’s heart and renews one’s faith through embracing God’s word with which prayer is made. Each time one says what God says in intercessory prayer, the word of God renews one’s mind and imparts one’s life. Dear brethren, praying for others shows one’s love and compassion for them. It also glorifies God. The Bible says it is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. (1 Tim.2:3) When one prays for others, he prays for himself or herself as well and also become partaker of God’s generous response to such prayer. It is good to cultivate the habit of praying for your nation, your community, your family, your Church and more importantly for that person you know is struggling to give his or her life to Christ. For it is in the generous response of God to such intercessory prayer, you are blessed. Evangelism Those that are yet to give their lives to Christ requires your prayers. Please include them in your prayers. May God bless you as you do so in Jesus’ name. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre