Author: Christopher Matthias

SEPTEMBER 21, 2007
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
ADRIAN DOMINICAN SISTERS

LEADER
We gather here as a family to celebrate the International Day of Peace. We are reminded that we are all part of one global human family living together in a world that remains broken and divided. We join in prayer with the hope that the universal desire for peace may be realized.
ALL: FOR THIS WE ARE PRAYING,
PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE. (sing or read)
God of peace, we direct our concerns to the restoration of human dignity. Make your wisdom known so that all people may put aside the selfish ways which lead to conflicts. Hear us as we pray for your presence among us and all nations.
ALL: FOR THIS WE ARE PRAYING,
PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.
Make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light; and
where there is sadness, joy. – Francis of Assisi
ALL: FOR THIS WE ARE PRAYING,
PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.
Peace is not merely the absence of war. Nor can it be reduced solely to the maintenance of a balance of power between enemies. It is rightly called “an enterprise of justice” (Isaiah 32:1-8)
Peace results from that harmony built into human society by its divine founder, and actualized as we thirst after, and act on behalf of, greater justice.
ALL: FOR THIS WE ARE PRAYING,
PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.
It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it. – Eleanor Roosevelt
ALL: FOR THIS WE ARE PRAYING,
PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.
Blessed are those who love and trust their fellow beings, for they shall reach the good in people and receive a loving response. Blessed are those who have had the courage and faith to work for a world of peace.
- Peace Pilgrim
ALL: FOR THIS WE ARE PRAYING,
PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.
Let the rain come and wash away the ancient grudges, the bitter hatreds held and nurtured over generations.
– Rabbi H.S. Kushner
ALL: FOR THIS WE ARE PRAYING,
PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.
Praise be to the Lord of the Universe who created us and made us into tribes and nations, that we may know each other, not that we may despise each other. Most gracious are those who walk on the Earth in humility, and when we address them, say, “Peace.”-Muslim Prayer for Peace
ALL: FOR THIS WE ARE PRAYING,
PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.
Relieve the sufferings of the innocent victims of war. Grant them peace of mind, healing of body and a renewed hope in a future of peace.
ALL: FOR THIS WE ARE PRAYING,
PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.
God, our source of strength we ask you to guide the leaders of the nations in the ways of peace and justice and enduring freedom for the peoples of our world.
ALL: FOR THIS WE ARE PRAYING,
PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.
May the efforts of all armed forces further the cause of peace. Give each man and women your strength and wisdom and a safe return. God of Peace, console their loved ones and family members. Gently dry the tears of those who mourn for the wounded in battle and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. May peace and justice reign throughout the world.
ALL: FOR THIS WE ARE PRAYING,
PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.
LEADER: O God, on this day, the International Day of Peace, we remember that war and violence continue to maim, kill and destroy. Hundreds of thousands of human beings look at their sisters and brothers over the barrels of cannons and missiles.
ALL: Help us to hear your voice that counsels forgiveness, compassion, patience and dialogue. Help us to act on behalf of peace, not only today, but all the days of our life. Amen
Prepared by Helen Michels, Associate of the Adrian Dominican Sisters