Candle Litany

Leader: We will light six candles as symbols of our sorrow for the wounds of our world. After each candle is lit, we invite you to a time of silent prayer. I will cue you for the Congregational Response printed in your bulletins.

All Lighters: Lord God, we mourn the violence we have brought to the face of the earth.

Lighter 1: We mourn that our children learn to fight rather than love as they play with their toys. (Pause.)

Lighter 2: We mourn that we lack respect for the creation you lovingly gave us to protect. (Pause.)

Lighter 3: We mourn that sometimes the life-giving union of a man and a woman results in despair and leads to the taking of a life by abortion. (Pause.)

Lighter 4: We mourn that our lack of visionary thinking leads us to believe that violence is sometimes the only solution to an already violent situation. (Pause.)

Lighter 5: We mourn that we have looked upon the rich diversity of color and nationality as divisive rather than full of creative possibilities. (Pause.)

Lighter 6: We mourn that we do not provide for one another's needs, but cling to our own desires and riches. (Pause)

All Lighters: Hear us God. We commit ourselves now: We know that violence is not the solution to any problem. As you said, "I have set before you life and death. Choose life."

Leader: Please join us with the Congregational Response in your bulletin.

Congregation: We declare ourselves now to be people of life, of love, of justice and of peace. Our mission is to bring these to others. We are the people of God.

All Lighters: Amen