Liturgy for the Second Sunday of Advent Liturgy — Peace

Opening Prayer

Gracious God, as we light the candle of peace this Advent season, quiet our restless hearts. Help us to trust in your promise of peace that passes all understanding. Calm our fears and prepare us to receive Your Son, the Prince of Peace. May Your peace reign within us and flow out to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Call to Worship

Leader: The voice of the Lord calls to the wilderness:

All: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight the path.

Leader: Come, let us worship the God of peace, who brings calm to our storms and hope to our hearts.

All: We come in faith, longing for peace in our lives and in the world.

Call to Confession

Leader: God’s peace is a gift freely given, yet we often cling to worry and unrest. Let us confess our doubts and fears, trusting in God’s mercy to restore peace within us.

Prayer of Confession

Holy God, we confess that we have not always walked in Your peace. We let anxiety rule our hearts, and we sow discord among neighbors. We struggle to trust Your promises and to live as peacemakers. Forgive us, Lord, and grant us Your peace — a peace that transforms and sustains. In the name of the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news: Christ is our peace, who has broken down every wall that divides us. Through Him, we are forgiven and called to live in peace with God and one another.

In Jesus Christ, we are made new.

Thanks be to God!

Scripture Passages for Peace

• Isaiah 9:6–7 — “For to us a child is born… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

• John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”

• Philippians 4:6–7 — “Do not worry about anything… and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”