We recently had a sermon on the theme of resolving conflicts in the church. Since I couldn’t find an exact song for people to sing as a response, I thought maybe, a creative idea would be to write my own responsive reading. This responsive congregational reading addresses the theme of conflict and a commitment to living in unity and peace.
Help Us Live In Peace
A congregational reading
(congregational parts in bold print)
Ephesians 4:3 says “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, through the bond of peace.”
As a church community we pray that you would help us deal with conflict in a way that would lead to unity and peace.
When we are tempted to take sides rather then work together…
When we are tempted to hold grudges
Jesus help us live in peace
When we are tempted to gossip or be malicious
Jesus help us live in peace
When we would rather complain – then work towards a solution
Jesus help us live in peace
When we find ourselves adding to disorder or division
Jesus help us live in peace
In the inevitable misunderstandings and miscommunications we may face
Jesus help us live in peace
Give us courage to admit our wrongs without being defensive
Give us determination to assume the best about others
Teach us to imitate you, God
to be gracious
to be compassionate
to be slow to anger
and rich in love…
And to make every effort to keep ourselves united in the spirit – through the bond of peace
Amen
We followed up the reading with this corporate worship song about church unity. “United – by Dan Loewen”
What a great reading and commitment for a church to speak aloud together. Great song too! Thanks for sharing.