Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Lord, we live in an unjust world, a world that seems not to know your peace. We gather today to give thanks for people who are peacemakers. We ask for the strength and wisdom to be peacemakers, too.
READING
Leader		Listen to these words from the Apostle Paul to the people of the city of Philippi. "Rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice! Be kind to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but turn to God. Then you will feel the peace of Jesus in your hearts." (based on Philippians 4:4–7)
PRAYER FOR PEACE
Leader		We remember people who chose peace during difficult times. Let us ask God to help us choose peace. When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., met with prejudice, he responded with peace.
All		Help us to choose peace.
Leader		When Mother Teresa saw people in need, she took care of them and gave them peace.
All		Help us to choose peace.
Leader		When Joseph Cardinal Bernardin visited sick and hurt people, he comforted them.
All		Help us to choose peace.
Leader		We thank you God for the good people who show us how to spread your peace in the world. Help us to be like them.
All		Amen.
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES (One at a time, children come forward to receive their certificates.)
Leader		O God, may we accept these certificates in good faith. Help us to follow the example of Jesus and work for justice and peace to help make our world a safer and better place to live.
All		May we live in justice and peace. Amen.
CLOSING SONG