PRAYER FOR PEACE IN OUR WORLD
OPENING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as we gather today, send your spirit of love, peace and justice
into our hearts, our families, our school, and especially our world.
We pray today especially for all those affected by the recent violence in France,
Lebanon and other areas of the Middle East. Many have died and others are
injured and many families are grieving at this time and we ask that you help others
to reach out in love, comfort and support.
May people of all nations reach out to one another in friendship and solidarity. May
we always reject violence, hatred and oppression and extend our care to those
who have suffered from these evils.
We make our prayer through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
GOSPEL (Mt 5:1-11)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St Matthew:
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his
disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of
evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is
great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before
you.
The Gospel of the Lord.
All:
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
Let us pray to our God, ever compassionate and merciful, defender of the weak,
and protector of the innocent.
1. For the Church: That she may remain a beacon of truth, justice and love,
always inspiring people to live according to the Beatitudes.
Lord hear us (R: Lord hear our prayer)
2. For the leaders of nations: That they may always respect and defend the
rights of all people and pursue peace and reconciliation where necessary.
Lord hear us (R: Lord hear our prayer)
3. For those experiencing conflict and violence, especially those in France and
L:ebanon at this time: That they may find strength, comfort and hope in the
healing presence of Jesus.
Lord hear us (R: Lord hear our prayer)
4. For those who harm others: That they may change their way of living and
follow the great commandment to love God and love others.
Lord hear us (R: Lord hear our prayer)
5. For refugees and asylum seekers: That they may find Australia to be a place
of welcome and Christian hospitality.
Lord hear us (R: Lord hear our prayer)
6. For those who have died in violence around the world, especially in the
continuing conflicts: That they may see the light of Christ’s face and
experience their eternal reward.
Lord hear us (R: Lord hear our prayer)
Lord God, protect us from the violence of others, keep our minds free from feelings
of hatred and bitterness, and restore peace and tranquillity to the world. We ask
this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
OUR FATHER
Jesus our Lord heals our wounds and strengthens our weakness; let us pray as he
taught us:
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy 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.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
FINAL BLESSING
Let us pray:
Almighty God,
In you we live and move and have our being.
May you bless us with mercy, fill us with peace, and strengthen us with love.
May you be with us this day
and all the days of our life.
Amen.