Peace Liturgy

Opening Song: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace (Spirit and Song # 199) or Stand Up! (Michael Mangan Setting Hearts on Fire CD) *songs are suggestions only!

Leader: We gather today to think about, pray for and discover ways that we can spread peace. Let us begin In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us pray.

God our Father, you call us to spread peace and love in the world. Help us to live in peace with each other in our homes, in our classrooms, in our community and in our world. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord. Amen.

Reader: A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

A spirit from on high is poured out on us, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is deemed a forest. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust for ever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting-places.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Psalm 122 (May be sung or recited.) Try CBW III #213 or 114 or Spirit and Song # 84.

Gospel Acclamation: Choose one that is familiar to your school community. Should be omitted if not being sung.

Leader: A reading from the Gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said, ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.’

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. The leader or another person may now offer a short reflection on the readings and how they pertain to the lives of the students in the school community. Some points you may wish to include are these:

 Peacemakers come in all shapes and sizes, in all generations and times in history. The prophets long ago like Isaiah predicted what peaceful living with faith in God could be like.  Jesus talked about peace a lot, too. He even said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” He talked about needing to be peaceful with each other in our daily lives.  There are many actions that can be peacemaking actions. Each classroom could make a list of ways that the members of the class will work for peace in their classroom, on the playground and throughout the school.  Allow a couple of minutes for silent reflection on what peaceful behavior might look like in your school community.

Leader: God, our Father, we know that love us and want only the best for us, we bring our hopes and prayers to you, asking you to hear us in Jesus’ name.

1. For all church leaders and world leaders working to bring about God’s peaceful Kingdom on earth, we pray to the Lord. 2. For all people who live in countries affected by war and conflict, we pray to the Lord. 3. For all of us at ______School, working to become peacemakers in our daily lives, we pray to the Lord. 4. For all who are ill or grieving, may they know the peace that comes from the loving, healing presence of God, we pray to the Lord.

Leader: Lord, we ask you to listen to our prayers and bless us as we strive to live peacefully and lovingly in our homes and schools. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord. Amen.

And now, let us offer each other a sign of peace. Allow a few moments for students to shake hands with each other or wish each other peace.

Leader: United in the peace of Christ’s love for us, let us pray as Jesus taught us...

Our Father … Leader: And may we be blessed with a spirit of peacefulness as we work and play together in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Closing Song: People of Peace (Gr. 5 Born of the Spirit program) or Go Make a Difference (Spirit and Song # 113)