The fruit of the Spirit · 3 of 9

Greek eirēnē

Not the absence of trouble, but a quiet heart kept by God in the middle of it.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”Philippians 4:6–7 (King James Version)

The word

Paul's word is eirēnē, which carries the meaning of the Hebrew shalom: wholeness, everything in its right place. It begins as peace with God (Romans 5:1). Then it becomes peace within us, and peace we make with others.

A peace the world cannot give

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”John 14:27 (King James Version)

Jesus said these words on the night before the cross. His peace does not wait for life to calm down. It is given in the storm.

Peace for an anxious mind

In 1611, “Be careful for nothing” meant “do not be anxious about anything.” Paul does not tell us to stop caring. He tells us where to put our cares: in prayer, with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God stands guard over the heart and mind.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”Isaiah 26:3 (King James Version)

In Hebrew, “perfect peace” is simply shalom shalom, peace upon peace.

Three simple practices

1. Turn worry into a request. Write down what is weighing on you. Then pray it, one line at a time, and end with a thank-you (Philippians 4:6).
2. Close the day with Compline. The Church's prayer before sleep gives the night to God: “Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.”
3. Make peace first. Take the first step toward someone you are at odds with. “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

A closing prayer

Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer (1979), the collect for the Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany.

Pray and watch

• A Prayer for Anxiety: When You Are AnxiousWatch on YouTube
• Peace in the Storm: a prayer from Mark 4:39Watch on YouTube
• Pray Complineon myoratory.com