For Use in a Service on the Theme of Peace
• Peace in our World •
• Peace in our Nation •
• Peace in our Neighbourhoods •
• Peace in our Homes •
• Peace in our Hearts •
• Peace with God •
• Peace with Others •
• Peace with Ourselves •
Romans 5.1-11
Matthew 5.1-12
Litany for Peace
One: From words and deeds that provoke discord, prejudice and hatred,
All: O God, deliver us.
One: From suspicions and fears that stand in the way of reconciliation,
All: O God, deliver us.
One: From believing and speaking lies about other peoples or nations,
All: O God, deliver us.
One: From cruel indifference to the cries of the hungry and homeless,
All: O God, deliver us.
One: From all that prevents us from fulfilling your promise of peace,
All: O God, deliver us.
One: Deliver us from our brokenness, we pray, O God,
All: and by your grace and healing presence deliver us to You …
One: To still waters and green pastures,
All: O Creating God, deliver us.
One: To the freedom and forgiveness we find in you,
All: O Risen Christ, deliver us.
One: To the tough task of loving our enemies,
All: O Jesus, deliver us.
One: To joyful service in your name,
All: O Servant of All, deliver us.
One: To the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, to the wholeness of justice, to the power of your peace,
All: O Holy Spirit, deliver us now and in the days to come. Amen.
Pledge of Non-violence
Making peace must start among ourselves. We commit ourselves as best we can to become non-violent and peaceable people.
To Respect Self and Others. To respect myself, to affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism, hateful words, physical or emotional attacks, negative peer pressure, and self-destructive behaviour, including abuse of alcohol and drugs.
To Communicate Better. To share my feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express my anger and other emotions, to work at solving problems peacefully, and to encourage an open system of communication throughout the family, church or community group.
To Listen. To listen carefully to one another, especially those who disagree with me, and to consider others' feelings and needs as valid as my own.
To Forgive. To apologise and make amends when I have hurt another, to forgive others, and to keep from holding grudges.
To Respect Nature. To treat the environment and all living things with respect and care and to promote environmental concern in the family, church or community group.
To Recreate Non-violently. To select activities and entertainment that strengthen my commitment to non-violence and that promote a less violent society, and to avoid social activities that make violence look exciting, humorous or acceptable.
To Act Courageously. To challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it, whether at home, at school, at work, or in the community, and to stand with others who are treated unfairly, even if it means standing alone.
Closing Prayer
Charge our lives and our churches with the power of your peace, O God. Overcome our fears and self-deceptions with the promise of your presence. Make us signs of your generosity and justice. Light us each day with hope, we pray, so that we may walk in your truth and be love in your Name. Amen.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Jesus
We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul
Make every effort to live in peace with all.
The Writer to the Hebrews
You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake.
Jeannette Rankin
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Jesus
Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.
Constitution of UNESCO, 1945
All those who take up the sword will die by the sword.
Jesus
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