From Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise
Invocation: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Mt 5:9)
Glory…
Psalm 147:1–4, 7–18
Antiphon: In greeting others, say, “God give you peace.”
Praise God, who is good;
sing praise to our God, who is gracious.
It is fitting to praise God.
God rebuilds Jerusalem,
gathers the exiles of Israel.God heals the brokenhearted
and binds up all their wounds.
God knows the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.Sing to God with thanksgiving;
sing praise with the harp to God,
who covers the heavens with clouds,
who provides rain for the earth,and who makes grass grow on the mountains,
who gives food to the cattle,
and to the young ravens
when they call.God does not delight in the strength of the steed,
nor is God pleased with the fleetness of humans.
God is pleased with those who have reverence,
with those who hope in faithful love.Glorify God, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For God has strengthened the bars of your gates
and has blessed your children within you.God has granted peace on your borders
and fills you with the best of wheat.
God sends forth a command to the earth;
swiftly runs the word!God spreads snow like wool
and scatters frost like ashes.
God scatters hail like crumbs;
before God’s cold, the waters freeze.God sends a word
and melts them;
God lets the breeze blow
and the waters flow.Glory…
Prayer: O God, the peace you give surpasses all our understanding. Make us open to this gift and help us to be instruments of your peace on earth.
Psalm 62:5–12a
Antiphon: Blessed are those who endure in peace for by You, Most High, shall they be crowned.
For God alone my soul waits;
for my hope comes from God,
who alone is my rock,
my stronghold, my fortress.
I stand firm.In God is my salvation and glory,
the rock of my strength.All you people, take refuge in God.
Trusting at all times,
pour out your hearts before God, our Refuge.Common folk are only a breath;
those of rank, an illusion.Placed in the scales, they rise;
they weigh less than a breath.Do not put your trust in oppression
nor in vain hopes or plunder.Do not set your heart on riches
even when they abound.For God has declared only one thing;
only two do I know:that to you alone belongs power,
and that you, O God, are steadfast love.Glory…
Prayer: O loving God, where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
Reading: Philippians 4:4–7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reading: The Rule of the Third Order Regular
Let the brothers and sisters be gentle, peaceful and unassuming, mild and humble, speaking respectfully to all in accord with their vocation. Wherever they are, or wherever they go throughout the world they should not be quarrelsome, contentious, or judgmental towards others. Rather, it should be obvious that they are “joyful, good-humored,” and happy in the Lord as they ought to be (c. Ph 4:4). And in greeting others, let them say, “God give you peace.”
Response:
You have shown strength with your arm and have scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
—You have shown strength with your arm and have scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
You have brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly,
—and have scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
Glory…
—You have shown strength with your arm and have scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
Canticle of Zechariah
Antiphon: Preach to people the Gospel of peace and salvation.
Intercessions:
You, O God, have promised special blessings to those who make peace. Hear us, we pray:
Have mercy on us, O God.
- In these times of global violence and war, make us effective peacemakers in our own places, we pray:
- For all who are suffering from the chaotic situation of international or civil conflict, we pray:
- For families caught up in violence and danger, we pray:
- For all who mediate peace in situations of war or conflict, we pray:
Our Father…
Prayer: O God, in Jesus Christ you tell us of your love. Help us who believe in the sacredness of the human experience work for peace in our troubled world. Assist us in healing the hurt, fear, and resentments that promote conflict among us. We ask this in union with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.
Blessing: May God bless us and keep us. May God look upon us with kindness and give us peace.
Sister Earth 