We associate the following words with peace, because they are the fruits of peace: quietness, serenity, calmness, and tranquility. 

If we truly want to have more of these peaceful qualities in our lives and in the world, it behooves us to learn to pray for them in a particularly effective way.

I propose that we ourselves become the prayer. 

As we move through this earth-journey, seeking to grow in love, generosity, and holiness, let us remember that we must become that thing we are seeking. If we desire something, it will not magically descend on us. If we are seeking peace and its fruits, we must become peace in the very ground of our being. 

Why must we do this? 

First, in becoming the peace we are seeking, in becoming the "embodiment" of peace (rather than endlessly waiting for it to magically descend from heaven!) we, of course, truly experience the peace we are seeking; And we achieve something greater as well. 
By becoming what we are asking for (rather than simply asking for it) we give a great gift to the world! 

Because we are all connected by God's Love, (and in truth really are God's Love, if we could only remember this) that peace we are experiencing inside us quite naturally extends out into the world! By becoming peace-filled, we increase its presence in the world- because we are all connected! 

Sound simple? It is... but just try being peaceful at all times. That's not so easy. But the attempt is worth the effort, because the resulting gift to the world is so great.

Let's close with a prayer:
Lord, help me to realize that peace in our world begins with me and is my gift to the world.
  

Michael D. Purvis, BME, is a graduate of Jordan College of Fine Arts, Butler University.  A poet, author, artist, composer, orchestrator, vocalist, instrumentalist, and recording artist, Mr. Purvis offers his inspiring original poems, journals, spiritual writings, lectures, songs, and musical compositions on CD, audio and video-cassette.  As well, Michael has authored accompanying books for his recordings, which feature printed text and often contain drawings and works of art. 

A native of Indianapolis, Mr. Purvis has tried his hand at teaching, and directing choirs, but finds he seems to have found his niche in being a versatile artist, and working with the elderly.  Michael has performed over 5000 musical programs in the central Indiana area for elders in various settings.  Mr. Purvis brings his versatility in the arts to his live programs and recordings, which feature poetry and readings, piano, guitar, banjo, recorder, and ukele playing- as well as wonderful singing of well-loved songs.

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