Last week a spring snowstorm hit Colorado, dropping 8″ of heavy snow in our area. While the moisture is much welcomed in our drought stricken state, the storm wreaked havoc on mature trees. Dozens in our neighborhood suffered broken limbs and even split in half as the heavy snow on their fully leafed out branches pulled them apart. Roads and driveways were blocked until crews with chainsaws cleared the way. At our house we lost several branches, but our trees survived, so I’m grateful.

Immediately after the storm cleared our street filled with neighbors. A crew worked on the tree of our friend who just had her knee replaced. We live on a quiet side street with people who know each other, many of us having been in our homes for years. Checking on each other is normal. It’s nice to know we’re seen and known when storms gather.

David encourages his people in Psalm 122 to pray for the peace of Jerusalem! The seat of judgement, the home of the temple, the place of governance, Jerusalem held a special place for the nation. Peace in Jerusalem radiated out to the borders of Israel and beyond. Calmness in the City of David blessed all, those who followed the Lord and those who did not. This common grace benefited everyone.

As I think of David’s call to pray for his city, I realize I can pray for mine as well. I pray for the peace of Erie, Colorado. I pray for the peace of my neighborhood, and for blessings on my neighbors. I pray for the peace of Washington D.C. and other cities of power. David’s call to pray extends to you and me. As we pray for the peace of our towns and cities, we extend God’s grace to our neighbors whether we know them or not. As the storms gather, and they always do, pray for peace—it still benefits everyone around us.

Psalm 122:6

Photo of our neighbor’s tree during the snowstorm