Celebrating Peace

Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		We gather today to give thanks for people who are peacemakers. We pray that we will also be peacemakers. Jesus told us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Let us ask God to help us be peacemakers.
All		In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
READING (based on Colossians 3:12-15)
Leader		Listen to these words from a letter of the Apostle Paul to the Colossians: "Since you are children of God, be gentle, kind, and patient. Put up with one another, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ forgives you. Love is the most important thing. Let the peace of Christ be in your hearts."
PRAYER OF PEACE (Have the children stand in a circle and, at each response, shake hands with the person to their left and, then their right.)
Leader		When we feel angry and want to hurt someone,
All		Help us to choose peace. (Shake hands.)
Leader		When we want to play with a toy, which someone else has,
All		Help us to choose peace. (Shake hands.)
Leader		When we hurt someone and do not want to say we are sorry,
All		Help us to choose peace. (Shake hands.)
PEACE QUILT DISCUSSION (Invite the children to sit around the peace quilt. Briefly discuss with them ways they can act peacefully toward others.)
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Lord, we know you will always help us to find peaceful ways to solve our problems. Thank you for loving us.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG