Prayer for Peace with older students

Prayer service for peace with older students

INTRODUCTION 

Welcome to our prayer service for peace. 

We might be hearing a lot news about war. It might be happening far away, but it affects all of us. We would like to see all the fighting in the world stop, and see everyone, everywhere living in peace and safety. Today we pray for peace. 

When it is hard for us to find peace in our hearts, peace with our neighbour or peace in the world, we turn to Jesus, Prince of Peace to show us the way. 

Let us think about how Jesus calls us to live this message: by praying for peace, by working for peace, and becoming makers of peace, as sons and daughters of God. 

CANDLE-LIGHTING FOR PEACE

Leader: At this time, we will light the Christ candle. The Christ candle reminds us that Jesus is our Light who guides our feet in the way of peace.

 Jesus guides us to peace through his word, and through those he calls to lead us in our walk of faith. 

Let us now join together in song to celebrate the gift of Christ’s light, which guides us to become makers of peace, singing : 

OPENING SONG  Light a Candle for Peace, You are the Voice, Shine, Jesus Shine,

OPENING PRAYER 

Leader: Let us begin our prayer in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

God our Father, you sent your Son Jesus to show us the way to a true and lasting peace. Open our minds and hearts to hear his message of peace, and follow it as his disciples. We ask you this in his name. Amen 

Let us now be attentive, and listen to God’s word.

Gospel - A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 5, 1-11) 

Visual Matthew 5, 1-11

OR

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. He 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 persecute you and say all kinds of bad things against because you try to follow me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven...” (Pause) 

The Word of the Lord. 

All: Thanks be to God. 

REFLECTION FOCUS

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 

What it Means

God doesn’t want us to be quiet all the time. He’s not talking about that kind of peace. He wants us to be at peace with others — not fighting, arguing, or hurting peoples’ feelings. Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker, and we should be too.

Your challenge - Try to go all day without fighting with your brother or sister. Or if you’re really up for a challenge, see if you can be helpful around the house to keep the peace, doing things like cleaning up after yourself, doing your jobs and not complaining or arguing about how unfair life is.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL 

Let us pray for the Church, that it will always work to make a peaceful world. We pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer. 

Let us pray that the peace of Christ might live in every human heart. We pray to the Lord. 

Lord, hear our prayer. 

Let us pray for our world leaders. That the Holy Spirit will guide them to promote peace and Christ’s Gospel. We pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer. 

Let us pray for the safety of all people who suffer because of war. We pray to the Lord. 

Lord, hear our prayer. 

Let us pray for Bishop Greg, Father Bing, our teachers, parents and all who guide us in our Catholic faith. That they might live in the peace of Christ’s Gospel. We pray to the Lord. 

Lord, hear our prayer. 

Let us pray for ourselves, that we might become peace-makers with our families, our neighbours and communities. We pray to the Lord. 

Lord hear our prayer. 

Leader: We bring these petitions to Jesus, Prince of Peace, using the words he gave us. Our Father …. 

CREDO FOR PEACE (With lights turned down) can be shone on overhead screen or suitable wall.) 

Leader: Let us now together recite the Credo for Peace. 

CREDO FOR PEACE 

We believe in God: The Blessed Trinity

We believe in Jesus: God and human Prince of Peace 

We believe in his Gospel, God’s message of peace. 

Jesus is our hope. 

Through him, we pray for peace; 

With him, we work for peace. 

In him, we live for peace. 

Amen 

CLOSING PRAYER: 

Lord, you sent your Son Jesus into the world that we might enjoy your peace always. Give us the strength to live as your children and be makers of peace. 

Grant that all peoples might put aside their differences.

We make this prayer to you in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

May Almighty God bless us: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. 

FINAL SONG: Light a Candle for Peace, You are the Voice, Shine, Jesus Shine, Rivers of Peace