Praying for Peace
Calling for Peace and Unity.
We, as Women of the ELCA, commit to strive for peace and unity in all that we day and say. That we be a light filled with compassion and kindness for all in the midst of hatred, dissension, conflict, and violence that engulfs our world. That we, through our bond of sisterhood in Christ Jesus, encourage and promote harmony, unity and peace within our homes, churches, workplaces, schools, communities, and the country. That we, as Women of the ELCA, hold our local and national leaders in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to fill their hearts, that they may become more open-minded, reaching across the aisles to work together for the good of the nation and all its citizens.
Memorial 2 from the 12th Triennial Convention, September 2023.
Litany for a Vigil calling for Peace and Unity
Leader: In 2023, at the 12th Triennial Convention of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we memorialized a Call for Peace and Unity.
Group: We, as Women of the ELCA, commit to strive for peace and unity in all that we do and say so that we may be a light filled with compassion and kindness for all in the midst of hatred, dissension, conflict, and violence that engulf our world.
Leader: In this resolution we made promises.
Group: That we, through our bond of sisterhood in Christ Jesus, encourage and promote harmony, unity, and peace within our homes, church, workplaces, schools, communities, and the country.
Today we remember that promise and consider how to work together to encourage and promote peace wherever we go. A necessary part of this call is in prayer. We promised…
Group: That we, as Women of the ELCA, hold our local and national leaders in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to fill their hearts that they may become more open-minded, reaching across the aisles to work together for the good of the nation and all its citizens.
Leader: Let us pray,
Group: We pray that you send your Spirit into our hearts and into the hearts of our leaders that we may work together for peace.
Leader: At this time, anyone may put forward a specific petition for peace.
Individual petitions may be lifted here.
Leader: God, hear these prayers of peace. In addition, we pray especially for an end to the conflict in Iran, peace in Palestine and Israel, peace for migrants and immigrants in our nation, peace in our homes, peace in our churches, and peace in our hearts.
Group: God, we ask you for peace!
Leader: We believe that you listen to our prayers. Help us in our belief.
Group: God, we ask you for faith!
Leader: We believe that you teach us when we open our hearts to you in prayer. Help us be open to your spirit.
Group: God, we ask you for wisdom, insight, and open hearts!
Hymns that might accompany this litany:
ELW 709 When Our Song Says Peace
ELW 785 When Peace Like a River
ELW 723 Canticle of the Turning
ELW 711 O Day of Peace