Closings and benedictions
A Closing Litany of Commitment to Faith in Action
Adapted from Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum Liturgy Resource Toolbox
Christ is our peace
And now we commit to sharing that peace with the world.
He is our peace
Therefore, we will be peacemakers: in our relationships, our families, our churches, and our communities.
He came to us in flesh, born in Bethlehem
Therefore, we will not forget the people of Bethlehem, and all who live in oppressed communities today.
In Jerusalem, He showed us the way to the Kingdom of God
Therefore, we live in solidarity with all the people of Jerusalem, God’s children.
He has made both groups into one
Therefore, we will treat all humans with dignity, respect, and honor— Palestinian, Israreli, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and all people of the land.
We refuse to be divided by hatred.
He came to reconcile all people with God, and to reconcile humanity with itself. The walls forged by hatred cannot endure his love.
Therefore, we will insist that our governments, our lawmakers, and our churches advocate for peace and justice in the Holy Land including defunding of the Israeli military occupation.
May the God Almighty who is sending us into the world to love our neighbour give us the wisdom, and courage to live in his will. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Advent Benediction
By Rev. Allison Tanner
Just as the Christ-child makes God known at Christmas
May we make God known in the week ahead
May our hope provide confidence as we await God’s reign
May our peace provide comfort as we work for God’s justice
May our joy provide celebration as we embrace God’s presence
May our love provide wholeness as we accept God’s healing
As the Christ-child has come into the world for us
May we go into the world for others.
Benediction by Isobel de Gruchy of South Africa
Adapted from Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum Liturgy Resource Toolbox
Lord God, forever faithful and loving, You said that peace-makers would be blessed, yet they are so often ignored or even attacked. Strengthen their hands, Lord,
Give them your spirit that they may inspire others.
Help us, each one, to be peace-makers in whatever way we are able.
May peace begin to spread like showers of refreshing rain, bringing blessings and growth.
May peace prevail throughout our hurting world. O Prince of Peace,
come and reign. Amen
Benediction: A Gaelic blessing
Adapted from Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum Liturgy Resource Toolbox
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the infinite peace to you.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A Non-Traditional Blessing: Franciscan Benediction
Adapted from Benediction by Sister Ruth Marlene Fox
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships,
so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people,
so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, starvation, and war,
so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain to joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world,
so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.
Amen.