Harmony Day
Orange material is covering the prayer space and rainbow coloured ribbons are displayed.
We Gather
Prayer Leader: Welcome to our celebration for Harmony Day. We gather today to think about living in harmony with other people. Harmony means getting along smoothly with others.
It looks like people working in a team and sharing together. (Show student-made poster)
It sounds like using manners and saying positive comments. (Mime/Drama)
It feels peaceful, calm and happy. (Show student-made images)
Let us pray today that we can live in harmony with all people.
We sing together-
Gathering Song:
Live in Harmony (Andrew Chinn)
(One verse and chorus)
Sign of the Cross
Leader: We gather together in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. +
(All join with the leader to make the Sign of the Cross)
Penitential Act
Leader: Coming together as God’s family with confidence let us ask God’s forgiveness, for God is full of gentleness and compassion.
Lord Jesus, you see beauty in everyone, Lord Have Mercy.
Christ Jesus, your love is for all, Christ Have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you show us how to live in harmony, Lord Have Mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life.
All: Amen
Opening prayer:
Leader: Let us pray (pause)
Send us courage, we pray, O Lord,
that we may follow your ways closely.
May our decisions be thoughtful and our actions kind
that we might live in loving harmony with others.
We ask these prayers in Jesus’ name, Amen.
We listen
Leader: Today we will hear God’s word. It tells us about how we can best live in harmony with one another.
Reader: A Reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians (3: 12 – 15)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever arguments you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
We respond
Prayers of the faithful
Leader: We pray today for all those living in our country, Australia. May God hear our prayers and be merciful.
Reader 1: For all who live in Australia. (Pause) May they be blessed with the gift of peace. Lord Hear Us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer
Reader 2: For those who work to promote harmony in our country. (Pause) May they be blessed in their work. Lord Hear Us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer
Reader 3: For those who come from other countries to live in Australia. (Pause) May they be blessed with jobs and new friends. Lord Hear Us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer
Leader: We thank you Loving God for all your blessings. Help us to always think of others in all we do and say. We ask our prayers through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
We go forth
Closing prayer:
Leader:
God of all people, God of love,
Just as the colours of a rainbow
Blend and merge to form one rainbow,
So too may the colours of our different cultures and beliefs,
blend and merge in our families, our communities and throughout our world,
through mutual respect and acceptance,
so that we may come together in true harmony.
All: Amen
Final Blessing
Leader: May God’s blessing for harmony come to us in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. +
Final Hymn:
Build Your Kingdom Here (REND Collective)/ Underneath God’sBeautiful Rainbow (Andrew Chinn)