As a direct result of this outreach, I was honored to offer prayers for peace as part of the celebration this past Saturday. Here is a summary of my comments.
I come to you today representing the Christian community that stands for peace. There is a watered-down version of my religion, popular in American culture today, that supports American values more than following Jesus. This cultural version has inoculated us to the heart of the true message Jesus brought, and that is a message of peace.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9) And when he was about to die, he said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives." (John 14:27)
I am humbled to be here on this joyous occasion, to join with all gathered here who have worked for peace for so long. In this sacred place, we lift our voices together as a testament to the peace we long and hope for on this earth.
Let us pray,
God of all people, we join our hearts in thankfulness at the testimony of your people here who have been working for peace in this world. You have given us a vision of a day when swords are beaten into plowshares, and weapons are left to rust in the fields because we have forgotten why we picked them up in the first place. We hold on to this vision and believe you can bring it about. Make the warring nations of this world cease. Humble all leaders who are bloated with pride and power. Bring your reign of peace over your whole earth.
In your name we pray, Amen.