O Father, Jesus Christ is among us as our peace,
but we are a people divided against ourselves
as we cling to the values of a broken world.
We long for the end of hostilities in our families,
with our friends and in our world.
We confess that we are often anxious and angry
over the ways that others sin against us.
Your Word declares that we stand guilty of murder in Your sight
when we harbor anger, bitterness, and contempt
in our hearts toward others.
Galvanize us to take the risks
and make the sacrifices that love requires.
Look upon us with kindness and mercy.
Rule in our hearts, our homes, and our church.
Show us how to pursue peace with others
through the grace and power of our Prince of peace. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON Romans 5:1-2
Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have obtained access
to this grace in which we stand;
and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.