Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem. [Psalm 122.6-9]
People with any knowledge any respect for God's Word and declared will understand that it behooves them to pray for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem.
According to Psalm 122.6-9, the peace and prosperity one prays for Jerusalem is the same peace and prosperity appropriated to them for so doing. This blessing covers both their family and friends and the church (the house of the LORD).
There is something though that is a tad "deeper" than just going through the motion of prayer for Jerusalem...
Actually, according to Psalm 122.6-9, the prosperity we are promised relative to Jerusalem comes to us, not because we pray for Jerusalem, but because we love Jerusalem! Our prayer for Jerusalem is the result of our love for Jerusalem. So, in theory, it is entirely possible to pray for Jerusalem without loving Jerusalem. However, the practice of continual prayer for peace in Jerusalem is highly unlikely without the motivation of love.
Let's explore this a bit further...
If Jerusalem also allegorically represents the Kingdom of God, then we might conclude that to pray out of love for the family of God (His Kingdom) is to secure prosperity for ourselves. There is something to consider!
How much of our prayer for people (Jerusalem included) is actually for their peace and prosperity because we genuinely love them? Perhaps this is a good time and place to pray for ourselves, "God, give me Your love for Jerusalem (and others)."
Father, teach me how to love so that my prayers for not only Jerusalem, but for others are fruitful.
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