Today was the International Day of Peace and Ceasefire, but it was also the feast day of St. Matthew (a major feast day for the church) and so we celebrated it in the Mass today. The Day of Peace got a mention in the Prayers of the People, but I would like to more fully honor it here. My senior year at Wake Forest, I designed an interfaith liturgy to celebrate the Day of Peace and to my knowledge it was only used that year, though I left it with the students for their future use. I would like to share that with you now. Feel free to use it if you will; I only ask you give the appropriate credit.

Call to Worship: Surah 1:1-6 (Islamic)

Welcome and Introduction

Psalm 120, v.1-2, 6-7 (Jewish)

Today is the International Day of Peace and Ceasefire. We join with religious and secular communities around the globe today to honor peace and not conflict. We remember those whose lives have been lost and the loved ones they left behind. Now, let us remember those countries and regions of the world that are currently engaged in armed conflict. Let us earnestly and hopefully pray for peace as the names are read. (Reading of the names of countries)

The First Reading: Letter of Paul to the Church at Philippi, 4:4-9 (Christian)

Prayer for Peace (Buddhist)

The Second Reading: Leviticus 26:1-6 (Jewish)

Prayer for the World
We are here, Lord, because we believe.
It is your gift and our struggle.
Help us to free ourselves from all that enslaves us.
Lord, set me free.
We are here, Lord, because we believe in justice.
It is your gift and our struggle.
Help us to work for justice in our own lives, in our nation, and in our world.
God of justice, lead us on.
We are here, Lord, because we believe in unity.
It is your gift and our struggle.
Help us to build bridges, to reach out in solidarity, in sisterhood and brotherhood.
Lord, make us one.
We are here, Lord, because we believe in peace.
It is your gift and our struggle.
Help us to change the injustices and inequalities that destroy true peace.
God of peace, lead us on. (source unknown)

The Third Reading: Surah 56:63-74 (Islamic)

At this time, all are welcomed to offer prayers of peace in general or for specific areas of the world to which they feel called. Prayers may be offered in silence or aloud.

Moment of Silence

The Blessing: Aaronic Blessing
The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you;
The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Dismissal: Amen. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

-R