PRAYER SERVICE FOR PEACE IN OUR WORLD

1. Opening Hymn: Bind us together Lord (Or any other appropriate Hymn)

2. OPENING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as we gather today, send your spirit of love, peace and justice into our hearts, our families, our communities, our parishes, our institutions and our world.
May people of all nations reach out to one another in friendship and solidarity. May we always reject violence, hatred and oppression and extend our care to those who have suffered from these evils.
We make our prayer through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

3. A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL (Mt. 5:1-11)
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew:

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
4. A SHORT HOMILY/REFLECTION

5. UNIVERSAL PRAYER

Let us pray to the Lord our God, ever compassionate and merciful, defender of the weak, and protector of the innocent.

i. For the Church: That she may remain a beacon of truth, justice and love, always inspiring people to live according to the Beatitudes.

Lord hear us (R: Lord hear our prayer)

ii. For the leaders of nations: That they may always respect and defend the rights of all people and pursue peace and reconciliation where necessary.

Lord hear us (R: Lord hear our prayer)

iii. For those experiencing conflict and violence: That they may find strength, comfort and hope in the healing presence of Jesus.

Lord hear us (R: Lord hear our prayer)

iv. For those who harm others: That they may change their way of living and follow the great commandment to love God and love others.

Lord hear us (R: Lord hear our prayer)

v. For refugees and asylum seekers: That they may find a place of warm welcome and experience true hospitality.

Lord hear us (R: Lord hear our prayer)

vi. For those who have died in violence around the world, especially those tragically killed in the recent attacks: That they may see the light of Christ’s face and experience their eternal reward.

Lord hear us (R: Lord hear our prayer)

Lord God, protect us from the violence of others, keep our minds free from feelings of hatred and bitterness, and restore peace and tranquillity to the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

6. ONE MINUTE’S SILENCE
Let us now pause and have a minute’s silence to remember those who have lost their lives through war or terror, and other disasters.

7. SIGN OF PEACE
As a sign of the peace which Jesus wants for all of humanity, let us offer each other a sign of peace.

8. OUR FATHER
Jesus our Lord heals our wounds and strengthens our weakness; let us pray as he taught us: Our Father…

Let us now pray to Mother Mary, Queen of Peace, to help promote peace in the world: Hail Mary…

9. FINAL BLESSING
Let us bow our heads and pray for God’s blessing:

Almighty God,
In you we live and move and have our being.
May you bless us with mercy, fill us with peace,
and strengthen us with love.
May you be with us this day
and all the days of our life.
Amen.

10. Closing Hymn: Make me a Channel of your Peace.

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that
we belong to each other.”
– St. Teresa of Calcutta