Track 5: “Shalom Over Our Streets”

Description:

“Shalom Over Our Streets” is a powerful and heartfelt plea for peace and safety within our communities. This track resonates with a deep longing for God’s shalom – a peace that transcends mere absence of conflict and encompasses complete well-being and harmony. The song combines evocative lyrics with a compelling melody to inspire a sense of hope and intercessory commitment among listeners. It calls on believers to be peacemakers and to actively seek God’s protection and peace over their neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Aligned with the album’s focus on the sanctity of life and the importance of covenant relationships, “Shalom Over Our Streets” underscores the role of Christians as bearers of peace and agents of God’s restorative love in a broken world. This track is an encouragement to pray fervently against violence and division, and to be catalysts for God’s peace and unity in our daily environments.

Devotion for “Shalom Over Our Streets” (Track 5)

Title: Praying for God’s Peace in Our Communities

Opening Scripture: Psalm 34:14 – “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

Reflection:

“Shalom Over Our Streets” is a heartfelt cry for God’s peace, or ‘Shalom,’ in our communities. Shalom in Hebrew encompasses more than just the absence of conflict; it includes the idea of complete harmony, wholeness, and well-being.

Deeper Insight:

In a world where violence and unrest can often be prevalent, the call for peace is both urgent and necessary. Isaiah 54:10 assures us of God’s steadfast love and peace: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”

This scripture invites us to trust in God’s enduring promise of peace, even in turbulent times. It also calls us to be active peacemakers, reflecting God’s love and compassion in our actions.

Application:

As intercessors, our role extends to praying for the safety and peace of our streets, neighborhoods, and cities. We are called to seek and promote peace, being instruments of God’s Shalom in our communities. Let’s commit to praying for a cessation of violence, healing of divisions, and the flourishing of peace and well-being in our surroundings.

Prayer:

Lord, we pray for Your Shalom over our streets. Bring healing to broken communities, and turn hearts towards peace. Protect the vulnerable and bring an end to violence and fear. Use us as agents of Your peace, showing Your love and compassion in our actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Scripture:

Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

This devotion is designed to inspire and equip believers to pray fervently for peace in their communities, reminding them of God’s promise of Shalom and calling them to be active participants in the pursuit of peace.

Lyrics

Shalom Over Our Streets

Verse 1:

In the alleys and roads, where shadows lie,
We call Your peace, Lord, from the sky.
Where fear tries to rule, let Your love reign,
On our streets, O Lord, let Your shalom sustain.

Chorus

Shalom over our streets, peace profound,
In Your presence, Lord, safety is found.
Turn hearts from hate, let Your mercy meet,
Every soul, every road, bring peace to our streets.

Verse 2

In the cries of the night, in the tears of the day,
Be our refuge, Lord, our fortress and stay.
Heal the wounds, break the chains of despair,
In Your hands, Lord, we place every care.

Chorus

Shalom over our streets, peace profound,
In Your presence, Lord, safety is found.
Turn hearts from hate, let Your mercy meet,
Every soul, every road, bring peace to our streets.

Bridge

For the lost, for the broken, we lift our voice,
In Your peace, in Your love, let this world rejoice.
Under Your watch, let no harm defeat,
Guardian of all, protect our streets.

Chorus

Shalom over our streets, peace profound,
In Your presence, Lord, safety is found.
Turn hearts from hate, let Your mercy meet,
Every soul, every road, bring peace to our streets.

Outro

In Your mighty name, we claim victory,
Shalom over our streets, in You, we are free.

Lead Sheet

Coming Soon

• Key: C Major (universal and hopeful)
• Time Signature: 4/4 (steady and reassuring)
• Tempo: 100 BPM (balanced and hopeful)

Storyboard descriptions for music video

Music Video Storyboard for “Shalom Over Our Streets” (Track 5)

Mood and Theme:
The mood is a mix of solemnity and hope, focusing on the longing for peace and safety in our communities. The theme centers on the transformative power of God’s peace, or ‘Shalom,’ in restoring harmony to troubled areas.

This storyboard for “Shalom Over Our Streets” aims to capture the essence of community transformation through the power of prayer and collective action. The focus is on visually and musically portraying the journey from unrest to peace, emphasizing the impact of God’s Shalom in urban settings.

Opening Scene:

• Visual Concept: A slow sunrise over a cityscape, transitioning to various streets and neighborhoods, some showing signs of unrest or neglect.
• Musical Development: The song begins with a soft, contemplative melody, setting a tone of introspection.

First Verse:

• Visual Concept: Scenes depicting the everyday realities of city life, including moments of tension, loneliness, and struggle among diverse individuals and families.
• Musical Development: The melody gently builds, mirroring the complexities and challenges of urban life.

Chorus:

• Visual Concept: Shift to scenes of individuals and groups in prayer, interceding for their communities, symbolizing a collective cry for peace.
• Musical Development: The chorus is soulful and earnest, conveying a deep yearning for change and restoration.

Second Verse:

• Visual Concept: The video shows acts of kindness and community building – people helping each other, community clean-ups, and peaceful gatherings.
• Musical Development: The music becomes more hopeful, reflecting the positive impact of these actions.

Second Chorus:

• Visual Concept: A growing sense of unity and hope is depicted, with more people joining in communal efforts, and scenes of reduced tension and increased harmony.
• Musical Development: The chorus repeats with added layers, symbolizing the strengthening of community bonds.

Bridge:

• Visual Concept: A powerful montage of historical and contemporary peace movements, showing the enduring human desire for and pursuit of peace.
• Musical Development: The bridge has a moving, anthem-like quality, representing the universal longing for peace.

Final Chorus:

• Visual Concept: The community is now transformed, reflecting a newfound sense of peace and unity, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together.
• Musical Development: The music reaches a hopeful climax, full of emotion and a sense of achievement.

Closing Scene:

• Visual Concept: As the song winds down, the scenes transition to peaceful, harmonious street settings at sunset, symbolizing the calming effect of ‘Shalom.’
• Musical Development: The song concludes with a peaceful and satisfying fade-out, leaving a sense of tranquility and hope.

End Credits:

• Visual Concept: The screen fades to black with the final lyrics and images of a peaceful community.
• Musical Development: A soft reprise of the chorus plays out the credits.