Saturday morning prayers for peace

The Lord gives strength to his people.
The Lord blesses his people with peace. (Ps 29.11)

In the name of the triune God, we gather, to pray for peace to find courage to continue to strive of peace, to share the promise of peace in a world where violence does not have the last word.

The Lord gives strength to his people.
The Lord blesses his people with peace. (Ps 29.11)

Almighty God and Creator, you are the Father of all people.
Guide, all the nations and their leaders in the ways of justice and peace.
Protect us from the evils of injustice, prejudice, exploitation, conflict, and war.
Help us to put away mistrust, bitterness, and hatred.
Unite us in working to reduce ignorance, poverty, disease and oppression.
Grant that we may grow in harmony and friendship, as brothers and sisters created in your image, to your honour and praise.
Amen.

Readings

Psalm

New Testament reading

Prayers of intercession
We pray for the leaders of the nations, that you will guide them in the ways of freedom, justice and truth.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We pray for those who bear arms on behalf of the nation, that they may have discipline and discernment, courage and compassion.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies, and those who wish us harm, that you will turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We pray for the wounded and the captive, the grieving and the homeless,
that in all their trials they may know your love and support.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

Most holy God and Father,
hear our prayers for all who strive for peace
and all who fight for justice.
Help us, who today remember the cost of war,
to work for a better tomorrow;
and, as we commend to you lives lost in terror and conflict,
bring us all, in the end, to the peace of your presence;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name, 
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. 
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. 
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, 
now and for ever. Amen. 

Blessing
God grant to the living grace,
to the departed rest,
to the Church, the King, the Commonwealth and all people,
unity, peace and concord,
and to us and all God’s servants,
life everlasting;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen

Our Facebook service ends at this point, but those in Church are invited to remain for a time of silent reflection.