Jerusalem is the true church, a city altogether lovely. There in Jerusalem is God’s house, where he lives with his people through the sacrifice of the lamb and testifies of salvation by sovereign grace. There in Jerusalem is the rule of God’s royal Son, who gives judgment unto salvation. There in Jerusalem are riches and glory and joy unspeakable. So God’s people love the church, cleave to her, and are glad to go up to Jerusalem.

Pray for her peace!

“O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39).

“O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done” (Matt. 26:42).

Prayers. For Jerusalem’s peace.

And upon the cursed tree, Jesus drank that cup of wrath to merit for Jerusalem everlasting righteousness and eternal life. At Golgotha he defeated all Jerusalem’s enemies. By him Jerusalem has perfect peace. Peace with God. Peace over against her sins and iniquities. Eternal peace when all Jerusalem’s enemies are finally destroyed in the lake of fire, and Jerusalem descends out of heaven as a bride adorned for her husband and the tabernacle of God will be with men.

Let everyone who loves Jerusalem pray for Jerusalem’s peace!

For Jerusalem is surrounded by enemies without and traitors within who hate Jerusalem. These enemies—the world, the devil, false brethren, and our own sinful flesh—labor tirelessly, night and day, that Jerusalem become a heap of rubble.

Pray for Jerusalem’s peace. Pray that the gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone brings gladness and joy to Jerusalem, may ever be heard within her walls. Pray that all of the wicked tricks and devices that Satan raises against the church may be defeated. Pray that those who hate the church, who seek to destroy the church, may themselves be destroyed.

Pray that not your will but God’s will be done. For in your own will, there is a serious threat to Jerusalem’s peace. Be careful that in pursuit of your own will, you do not do injury to Jerusalem’s peace. Pray that your flesh may be crucified daily.

For Jerusalem shall prosper! Jerusalem shall forever have peace. Because the one who willed Jerusalem’s peace and accomplished her peace at the cross commands peace in Jerusalem, and there is peace.

And in Jerusalem’s peace shall they also prosper who love her.