Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Thank you for coming to share
in worship and prayer to this sacred place, and we greet you in the name
of the Creator of Peace. Each day in this Temple dedicated to the
pursuit of peace, we pray to God for peace in our world. In addition,
each day we pray for a different country.
Today we will hold up the people of Cyprus in our prayers. Cyprus is an
island in the Mediterranean. Cyprus has always been an important trading
post between the empires of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East;
throughout history someone has always wanted to take it from someone
else. In 1925, Cyprus became a crown colony of the United Kingdom, but
the Cypriots by then were tired of being controlled by someone else and
began agitating for self-determination. This laid the foundations for
the continuing Greek/Turkish conflict; the Greek Cypriots wanted to
unify with Greece, while the Turks did not. In 1950 the British drafted
a constitution which was accepted by the Turkish population but opposed
by the Greek Cypriots. In 1960, Britain granted Cyprus its independence,
but the conflict continued. There have been attempts to make both sides
come together since 1974, but the conflict continues.
As we gaze upon our candle of peace, let us think upon those times when
knowledge and faith have overcome ignorance and delusion. As we worship
together, let us praise the creator of light and understanding. |
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| Scripture Reading: Psalm 4:6-8 The Inclusive
Psalms |
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So many are asking,
“Does good even exist
anymore?”
Let the light of your face, Adnonai,
shine on us!
You put joy in my heart—
a joy greater than being
full
of bread and new wine.
In peace I’ll lie down,
in peace I will sleep:
for you alone, Adonai,
keep me perfectly safe. |
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Prayer for Peace by Betty Gurney, Victoria,
British Columbia, Canada |
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Our heavenly Father - Creator and Sustainer of the
universe, we come to you this day with praise and thanksgiving for your
love. We feel sadness when we see the suffering of those who do not know
peace in their lives or in their countries, but know that your sadness
is much deeper than our own.
At this time and in this place we pray for peace. We pray that where
there is hatred it will be replaced with love; that where there is
violence it will be replaced with compassion; that where there is
insecurity it will be replaced with security; that where there is
ignorance it will be replaced with knowledge; that where there is fear
it will be replaced with peace.
We pray for that peace which begins with each individual and grows and
develops and spreads from person to family, from family to community,
from community to country, and on throughout the world.
In places where peace seems a far distant dream, we pray that somehow
each person involved with another's well-being will hear your voice and
allow your compassion to influence their actions. We pray that in one
small corner some good will be done that will give hope for future
peace.
We pray that the Christian community will be faithful in prayer,
honorable in action, peaceful in attitude, and devoted in their
commitment to discipleship.
In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen. |
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Hymn - Forgive Us Lord - Hymns of the
Saints 103 |
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Prayers of the People
Please join us now, praying the Prayers of the People. During the
moments of silence, you are invited to pray silently or meditate. |
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God of all nations and all peoples, by whatever name you
are known, we come before you in praise and thanksgiving. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Forgive our sins of selfishness and pride, we humbly ask. Guide us into
the joy of being, and the desire of joyful peace for all peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray particularly for the people of Cyprus this day. Help them to
continue their desire to avoid armed conflict. May we learn from them.
Help all people know that you are the God of all nations and the Parent
of all peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the concerns of those gathered here today. Great God, we
would also ask for your guidance as we try to live by your standards of
peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Please use this space to pray for any
current concern or event in our community, city, state, nation or world
that you feel needs to be held up to God for prayerful consideration. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Hear our collective prayers, O God of Peace, that your peace may become
the peace of this world. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We conclude our service for today with Ministry of
Music. You are invited to remain to pray or meditate in the quiet of
this place for as long as you may wish.
Now may the God of all nations, kindreds, and peoples, guard you and
keep you to fulfill your desires to be a people of peace. Let us go
forth and bring peace into our world. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
