Weekly ThemeW/C 23rd April 2012

“A Sign of Peace”

Things to think about...

Are you a peaceful person?

How can you help to makeother people feel at peace?

Is there anybody that you needto make peace with?

In this Easter season,we’re reminded of our needfor God’s love in the world.Jesus calls himself the bread of life - even when we pray the Lord’sPrayer we ask God to give us our ‘daily bread’.Jesus shows us that he feeds us each day with all the real thingswe need in life: love, peace, justice,forgiveness, hope...Think about the gifts of God that you cherish each day.What are you lacking?How do you need to be ‘fed’ by God’s generosity?Pray quietly for a moment and ask God to be near to you.Then pray the Lord’s Prayer.

Jesus said to his disciples:Peace I give to you,my own peace I give to you,a peace the world can not give,this is my gift to you.Do not let your heartsbe troubled or afraid.John 14:26-27

Lord of light - shine on us.Lord of peace - dwell in us.Lord of love - enfold us.And then, Lord, let us go out as your witnesses. Amen.

Dynamic Lord,creator of us all,send your Spirit of peace to your people.Forgive us when our words and actions lead to conflict.Help us to reach out our hands in friendship and love.Amen.

Pray this week for:

...for people who live inplaces of war and conflict -such as Iraq and Afghanistan

...that we may live peacefullywith our family and friends

...that world leaderswill work hard to protect thosewho face violence and injustice

...for families in this countrywho are facing poverty

...that people will learn to livetogether in harmony

May all beings everywhereplagued with sufferings of body and mindquickly be freed from their illnesses.May those frightened cease to be afraid,and may those bound be free.May the powerless find power,and may people think of befriending one another.

God of all people, times, places and beliefs,bring healing to your world of sorrow.We pray for the innocent victims of warcaught up in the conflict in our world today.And we pray that the leaders of our worldwill see that we are united as onein the hope of a peaceful world.Amen

Prayer for Peace in the Family

Lord Jesus, our family needs your help today. We need your peace and tranquillity, an end to discord. Give us strength and compassion to understand each other, wisdom and love to help each other, and the trust and patience we need to live peacefully together. Grant that, through the intercession of Your mother, Mary, and St. Joseph, our family too may become a holy family, a family that works together as one, a family that embraces peace and love, a family whose members are dedicated to each other and to You.

Amen.