Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
READING
Leader		Listen to these words from Matthew’s Gospel in the Bible. Jesus said, "Happy are peacemakers. They will be called children of God." (based on Matthew 5:9)
PRAYER OF GRATITUDE
Leader		We give thanks for all the holy people who show us how to follow Jesus. Let us join our hearts, minds, and voices together in thanksgiving for those who build homes for people who have no homes.
All Sign		Thank you, God.
Leader		For those who work in soup kitchens feeding people who have no food,
All Sign		Thank you, God.
Leader		For police officers and firefighters who risk their lives,
All Sign		Thank you, God.
Leader		For those who spread the message of justice and have suffered in doing so,
All Sign		Thank you, God.
Leader		For those who defend our country, bringing peace,
All Sign		Thank you, God.
PEACE CHAIN (Each child brings a paper strip for you to staple together forming a peace chain.)
Leader		O God, accept these words of peace that we join together into a peace chain today. Help us to remember and to use words of peace to help make our world a safer and better place to live.
All		May we live in peace. Amen. (Hang the chain for everyone to see.)
CLOSING SONG