- Compare the English word “peace” with the Hebrew word shalom. What dimensions of shalom are not included in our use of the word “peace”?
- Are you at peace with your family and friends or does the conflict between Joseph and his brothers sound familiar to you?
- Do you pray for the general well-being of your country, your city, your neighborhood? It is so easy to be so focused on ourselves and our immediate family that we forget to pray for the large community in which we live. How can we learn to include this in our prayer life?
- Security and protection of our loved ones is usually a major concern for us and how can we learn to leave these issues in God’s hands? How should our prayers for them change?
- After reflecting on the readings for this week, how would you define Biblical shalom in your own words? Suggestion: Keep your definition available as you read through the devotional readings for the weeks that follow.