Prayers for National Peace: A Reading of Psalm 122:6-9

Abstract

This paper explores the Poet’s prayer for National peace in Psalm 122:6-9. The poet gives an imperative command to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and goes on to offer a prayer that includes the invocation of blessings on people who promote peace and a prayer for peace. The passage also includes a statement of the poet’s personal interest in the peace of Jerusalem. Here, he states the reasons why he prays for peace in Jerusalem: for the sake of his brothers and companions and for the sake of the temple. From the structural reading of the passage, the point of emphasis is seen to be a desire for the peace of Jerusalem. From these points of emphasis, lessons on nation Building are drawn for Ghanaians. Ghanaians should pray for the peace of the nation and seek peace because of families and friends as well as prominent national and religious heritages.