God, your gift of peace is precious in this world of sin and loss:
You have given joy and gladness, making peace through Jesus’ cross.
God, in love you came to save us, giving freedom from our sin--
In you, gifts of peace begin.

Jesus, you are God’s example in the life on earth you lived.
Help us see your face in others, teach us freely to forgive.
When, in all your children’s conflicts, hate and violence increase--
Blest are those who work for peace.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed, too, are all the meek.
When we feel a slap of hatred, you say: Turn the other cheek.
When arrested in the garden you spoke to your friend to say,
“Peter, put your sword away.”

Spirit, help us work for justice in each challenge that we face.
Each one needs to have the other: righteousness and peace embrace.
Children hungry? People homeless? Missiles flying through the air?
You seek peace with justice there.

So we pray and work together toward a world of your shalom.
May all people share your bounty, and all have both feast and home.
Wolf and lamb shall feed together: In your kingdom war shall cease
And your people live in peace.