Liturgy
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness,
no strength known but the strength of love: so mightily spread abroad your Spirit,
that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father …
Guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth,
and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness,
that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ …
Your Son commanded us to love our enemies:
Lead them and us from prejudice to truth;
deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge;
and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reflection
How do you respond when someone else gets credit for something you deserve?
What in your life needs to be reattached to God?
What does it look like to honor God, who is mysteriously personal?
How can we be a part of bringing peace and reconnecting people to God?
Benediction
Christ has no body now on earth but ours,
no hands but ours,
no feet but ours.
We are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion
cares for the people of the world;
we are the feet with which Christ is to go about doing good;
we are the hands through which Christ now
brings a blessing.
We promise this year to keep awake,
to live each moment to the full,
to look with eyes of compassion,
and to act with kindness. Amen.
Go in peace and live the church.