Shalom has been a frequent word in my prayer vocabulary in 2024. When antisemitism broke out across college campuses, the Lord instructed me to pray this way. It’s the Hebrew word that means peace. However, it’s not a passive absence of troubles, as we tend to think. Shalom is made up of four pictures. Teeth that destroy, a shepherd’s staff of authority, a tent peg to attach, and water, chaos. When put together, it means “to destroy the authority attached to chaos.” The Lord gives us a deeper understanding of how to pray.

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Recently, a friend and I prayed together. After she finished, I returned the favor to her and heard the Lord say, “Pray for shalom in her home.” She thanked me and said she received the prayer. Afterward, I considered what the Lord said and applied it to my life. Do you find yourself in need of peace right now? I know I do. 

If things feel chaotic in your life right now, know that 1 Corinthians 14:33 says, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” That word confusion appears in other translations as disorder, which means chaos. God is the author of peace. It’s a fruit of the Spirit, whereas chaos can manifest after works of the flesh. 

Again, Adonai spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and to his sons saying: Thus, you are to bless Bnei-Yisrael, by saying to them ‘Adonai bless you and keep you! Adonai, make His face to shine on you and be gracious to you! Adonai turn His face toward you and grant you shalom (Numbers 6:23-26 TLV).

 This is the priestly blessing we all know and love. In the Old Testament, Aaron, the high priest, and the priesthood acted as intercessors, mediating between God and man. In the New Testament, after Christ’s ascension, we see him as The Great High Priest living to make intercession (see Hebrews 4:14-16). We agree with His high priest ministry when we co-labor with Him in prayer. Consider that next time you stand in the gap for someone or something. You are partaking in a priestly ministry.

What Did Jesus Say About It? 

In Matthew 10, Jesus gave his disciples authority to release the blessing of peace on a home before they entered it. Although it was contingent upon their reception of the gospel, there were times when the blessing would stand.

 “Whatever town or village you shall enter, find out who in it is worthy and stay there until you leave. As you come into the house, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your shalom come upon it. But if it’s not worthy, let your shalom return to you (Matthew 10: 11-13 TLV).

I have used this verse to pray repeatedly before I have entered people’s homes or a public space. For example, several years back in Texas, there was a horrific shooting that took the lives of many in a large chain store. Once, when walking into the local chain in my city on the heels of that shooting, I felt a crippling sense of fear before I entered the store. The Lord reminded me of the verse in Matthew 10, and I released the peace of God before walking through the door. I felt the pervading sense of fear break off, and a sweet peace filled the space.

The Lord reminded me of this as I prayed for my friend. So, I have been walking through my home praying, releasing His peace, and even laying hands on my head (mind) and body decreeing the same. After all, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 6:19). 

You Have Authority, Use It

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (2 Peter 1:9).

This verse talks about the Jews being a priesthood, yet Peter wrote this epistle to the church, which consisted of Jewish and Gentile believers. We may all proclaim the praises of God because He has delivered us from darkness to light. Intercessor, you are a part of that royal priesthood. 

Jesus has given us authority to do what He did and greater works (see Luke 10:19, John 14:12, Matthew 28:18-20). If the disciples could enter a city and a home and release shalom, you can, too. Use your voice, lift your hands in worship, bless your family, and release the peace of God that destroys the authority attached to chaos. 

Remember this, dear intercessor, if you have prodigal children or family relationship problems—and, if we can be honest, we have all been there. Your rebellious prodigals, your problematic family members, and your unsaved spouse are not your enemies. Your enemy is also their enemy; they may not be aware of it yet. The devil who comes to steal, kill, and destroy is the true enemy of our souls. Bless them and give it to God. 

Whenever chaos is afoot, you can be sure Satan is behind it. Scripture is clear that God is the author of peace and not confusion, and Yeshua is the prince of peace. Let’s pray if your home lacks peace or your mind is coming under attack.

Heavenly Father,

 Thank you for being the ultimate authority. You promise the God of peace will crush Satan under His feet one day. I believe every word because they never fail. All of your promises are yes and amen in Christ. You see everything, Lord; nothing is hidden from your eyes. I may be persecuted, but I am not forsaken; I may be cast down, but I am not destroyed; therefore, I will bless You at all times, and Your praise shall continually be in my mouth. 

You said I can release a blessing of peace in any home I enter. Lord, I release shalom in my home. I bless my marriage and my family. Come with Your power and destroy the authority attached to chaos against my family. Let your peace and Presence rest in my home. 

Lord, I pray for those battling chaos in their minds. You said in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you.” That perfect peace is a double, “Shalom, shalom.” Father, I speak shalom over the double-minded, the worn down, the confused, the downcast, and I say, be still in the name of Jesus. Thank you, Lord, for not giving us a spirit of fear but power, love, and a sound mind, which is the mind of Christ. We bless Your holy name, in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

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IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast. Photo Credit: Rosie Sun on Unsplash.