Mass for Peace
We place the Bethlehem candle before the altar
For all nations affected by war or civil violence: including the Holy Land and Gaza, Ukraine, the troubled countries of the Middle East and Africa….. .
We pause:
For the United Nations, the group of industrialised countries, China and India,
the European Community and all other rich and most powerful countries:
that they may accept responsibility for the common good.
We pause
For the Church and the churches –
that we may try to work together and give a better witness to the Lord and the Gospel.
We pause
For our own country, for the governments in London and Edinburgh,
for our national banking and commercial institutions, for all schools, colleges and universities:
that they may promote justice and peace.
We pause
For our own families and community:
We pause
Finally we pray:
May he support us all the day long
till the shadows lengthen, and evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.
Then, in his mercy,
may he give us a safe lodging,
a holy rest, and peace at last.
