Call to Worship

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Call to Worship Leader The rising sun will come
to us from heaven to shine on those living in
darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our
feet into the path of peace. All How will we
walk the path of peace?
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Leader The kingdom of God is not a matter of
eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace
and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who
serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and
approved by men. Let us therefore make every
effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual
edification. All Come, let us walk the path of
peace by worshiping the Prince of Peace and by
seeking first the kingdom of God.
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Litany/Prayer of Confession Reader 1 Prince of
Peace, you have set before us the path of peace
which leads to eternal harmony with God. Reader
2 Jesus, you are our peace. You alone can
destroy the dividing walls of hostility between
individuals and nations.
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Litany/Prayer of Confession People We have
heard your command to seek peace and pursue it.
We have heard, but we have not always
obeyed. Reader 1 We are like your people Israel
who were ever hearing, but never understanding
ever seeing, but never perceiving.
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People Sometimes we allow anger, hatred, and
greed to poison our hearts. We refuse to ask for
forgiveness or to offer it. We worry and are
anxious. So, peace eludes us.
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Reader 2 Even then, Jesus, you mercifully say,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you
and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For
my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew
1128-30). People We come to you, Jesus,
seeking peace in our relationships with our local
and global neighbors.
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Reader 1 Many of our local and global neighbors
are burdened by anger, hatred, and violence.
Reader 2 In many countries, tensions between
Muslim and Christian groups leads to frequent
acts of violence. In other countries, inter-faith
conflicts and ethnic fighting cause unrest and
pain.
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Reader 1 And in Syria, a multi-year fight for
power has left millions crushed by war. Reader
2 When we ignore or turn away from the tragic
plight of our global neighbors... People
Forgive us.
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Reader 2 When we stereotype individuals, ethnic
groups, and nations, forgetting that all people
are made in your image... People Forgive
us. Reader 1 Help us to pray more fervently
that you will "scatter the nations who delight in
war" (Psalm 6830b) so that peace may prevail on
the earth.
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Reader 2 Bless World Renew and the Canadian
Foodgrains Bank as they strive to be your healing
agents in war-torn countries. People Guide
them and work through them so that Christ's
peace can be shared with those they serve. Help
them to walk the path of peace in all their work
around the world.
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Reader 1 Inspire all of us with Isaiahs vision
"God will judge between the nations and will
settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat
their swords into plowshares and their spears
into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword
against nation, nor will they train for war
anymore" (Isaiah 24). People We commit to
being peacemakers. If it is possible, as far as
it depends on us, we will live at peace with
everyone.
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Reader 2 "Now may the God of peace, who through
the blood of the eternal covenant brought back
from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd
of the sheep, equip us with everything good for
doing his will, and may he work in us what is
pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be
glory for ever and ever. Amen" (Hebrews 1320-21).
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Benediction Leader Today, you have heard Gods
call to walk on the path of peace. Trust that he
will guide you. Seek peace seven days a week. And
"do not be anxious about anything, but in
everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And
the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 46-7).
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Leader "Now may the Lord of peace himself give
you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord
be with all of you" (2 Thessalonians 316).
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