Prayers of gratitude and intercession

This Peace Sunday worship material is provided by the Peace Commission of Mennonite World Conference. We encourage its use by all MWC-related congregations on the Sunday closest to the International Day of Peace, September 21, 2013.

INTRODUCTION

Psalm 23 is a strong image of peace. There we celebrate sitting at the table in the presence of our enemies, and the cup is filled to overflowing. Using this image we respond to God’s call to peace with a ritual of anointing. These peace-worship resources use movement, image, art, and ritual to explore the theme of peace. They begin with the idea that art (construction) is the opposite of war (destruction).

While it is difficult to do art together in a time of worship, there are ways of making art to interact together.

Please use these ideas as guidelines to adapt to your congregation’s context. The children’s worship connects with the prayers of the people through a prayer movement. Please feel free to change, adapt, or print material as needed.

FOCUS STATEMENT

God fills our cup to overflowing with what is needed to work for peace.

MAIN SCRIPTURE

Psalm 23

Supporting Scriptures: Genesis 1; Matthew 6:9-13; 2 Corinthians 5:18