The United Nations calls upon all nations to set aside September 21st of each year as International Peace Day. Along with many other churches and city organizations we joined in on Sunday as sponsors of a Peace Day picnic, with many fine speakers and lovely weather. In his sermon, Rev. Kent connected the story of the disciples arguing over who was the greatest to the many divisions in human society, and suggesting that when Jesus placed a child among the disciples it was a reminder that service to all meant not just the well-behaved, well-cared for children, but ALL children: the squalling, angry, lonely and messy ones, too. Welcoming them is what helps us welcome Christ. Peace and all our efforts toward it, are in their infancy, but set among us in all the hardships and setbacks. Welcoming those efforts, joining those efforts, in whatever degree and at whatever scale, welcomes not just Jesus but the one who sent him. (A link to the full service is found below).
Abby Embry, worship leader, read this beautiful prayer for Peace by Anna Lisa Gross of Minneapolis. May it be a blessing for your week.
Giver of peace that passes all understanding,
Move in our midst this day, this hour.
Dwell in our hearts and minds, bring us a moment of calm.
To reflect, to confess, to forgive.
In a still, small voice you call,
“Peace be still and know that I am God.
Peace be still and know that I am.
Peace be still and know.
Peace be still.
Peace be.
Peace.”
God of all the nations, We call upon you for our land, and for all lands.
Soften hard hearts. Caress clenched fists. Soothe the angry, fearful histories we carry.
Ignite creativity and compassion in us all, that we may shine peace into our homes, our neighborhoods, our states, our countries, and our world.
(Written by Anna Lisa Gross, pastor at Living Table United Church of the Christ in Minneapolis)
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