International Day of Prayer for Peace

September 20, 2009

Welcome and Introductions

Rev. Bruce Butler

Scriptures that Inform Us on Peace

Rev. Paul England
Matthew 5:9: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

Rev. Mike Martin
John 13:34: A new command I give you: Love one another, as I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Rev. Paul England
Luke 6:27-28: But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Rev. Mike Martin
Romans 12:14: Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.

Rev. Paul England
1 Corinthians 4:12: We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted we endure it.

Rev. Mike Martin
Romans 12:17-21: Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Rev. Paul England
1 Peter 3:9: Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Rev. Mike Martin
1 John 2:9-10: Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.

Rev. Paul England
Luke 1:78-79: By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Lighting of the Candles

Song #307

Will You Let Me Be Your Servant? Vineyard Worship Team

Litany of Peace

Rev. Neil Earle
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God (Matt. 5:9).
(Silence)
God of peace you call us to peace.
Peace within and peace without
Peace before and peace behind
Peace on right and peace on left

A Prayer for Peace Among the Nations of the World

Rev. Neil Earle
(Silence)

Rev. Karen Davis
Christ of peace you call us to peace.
Peace with brother and with sister
Peace with neighbor and with stranger

A Prayer for Peace in Our Community

Rev. Karen Davis
(Silence)

Rev. Bruce Butler
Spirit of peace you call us to peace.
Peace in work and in play
Peace in thought and in deed
Peace in word and in action

A Prayer for Peace in our Homes, Schools, Workplaces, and Churches

Rev. Bruce Butler
(Silence)
Grant us peace O God of peace

Song #395

Here I Am Lord, Vineyard Worship Team

Solo

If I Had a Hammer

Praying Together

Rev. Mike Martin
Our Father who is in heaven hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for yours is the kingdom the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

God all powerful and all knowing encircle us
Keep love within and fear without
Keep peace within and violence out
Circle us with your presence
God all loving and all embracing encircle us
Keep wholeness in and disease without
Keep care within and selfishness out
Circle us with your love
God all mighty and all caring encircle us
Keep truth within and injustice out
Keep acceptance in and prejudice out
Circle us with your peace

Ending Song #637

Instruments of Your Peace, Maranatha Singers

Sending Into Our Mission Field

Rev. Paul England
God may we be instruments of your peace today
In a world divided by war and strife
May we be your reconcilers
In a world of hurt and pain
May we be those who care for our enemies
In a world that kills and maims not only with bullets
but with thoughts and attitudes and words
May we be those who heal and restore
God lead us with your peace
Through the pathway of your love
To the promise of your kingdom,
The blessing of God be upon you
The blessing of the God of Life
The blessing of Christ be upon you
The blessing of the Christ of love
The blessing of the Spirit be upon you
The blessing of the Spirit of peace
the blessing of the triune God be yours, now and evermore.

Amen!

Sharing with us tonight

Welcome and Introduction: Rev. Bruce Butler

Reading of Scriptures: Rev. Paul England and Rev. Mike Martin

Prayer for the Nations: Rev. Neil Earle

Prayer for the Community: Rev. Karen Davis

Prayer for School, Workplaces, Families: Rev. Bruce Butler

Prayer Together: Rev. Mike Martin

Benediction: Rev. Paul England

Vineyard Worship Team: Reinard Cruz, Joy Cruz, Paulo Javier