Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
Libya
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Lonely
Planet. |
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Welcome today to this sacred
place. 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 Libya in our prayers. Located in
north Africa, water-poor, oil-rich Libya has the highest per capita
income of continental Africa.. The largest water development project
ever devised, the Great Man-Made River Project, will bring water from
aquifers under the Sahara to the coastal cities. Since 1969 this former
Italian colony, independent since 1951, has been socialist. In 2003,
Libya accepted responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing and agreed to
pay compensation to the families of victims. That same year it
repudiated weapons of mass destruction, and the following year was
visited by British Prime Minister Tony Blair. There has recently been
something of a revival of the arts in Libya, especially in the field of
painting, and private galleries are springing up to provide a showcase
for new talent. The tradition of folk culture is still alive and well,
with troupes performing music and dance at frequent festivals, both in
Libya and abroad.
As we center on the peace candle, let us reflect on the history that led
to creation of this building on this piece of ground and consider the
temple we are building in our souls. |
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| Reading: Psalm 34:11, 13-14 The Inclusive Psalms |
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Come, children, listen to me! I will teach
you reverence for Our God. Keep your tongue from gossip and your lips
from telling lies; turn away from bad and practice good; seek peace and
pursue it. |
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Prayer for Peace by Ray Hogue, Joplin,
Missouri |
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O Lord, let us sense peace in the beauty of our worship.
Let us speak peace in our interpersonal relationships.
Let us hear peace in the midst of confusion.
Let us feel peace when we are touched by your Holy Spirit.
Let us hope for peace in the seas of hopelessness.
Let us sue for peace in the humane treatment of our little ones.
Let us respect peace in the wise lives of our elders.
Let us affirm peace as we accept the struggles of our youth.
Let us honor peace by being ethical persons in all walks of life.
Lord, let us follow peace to whatever person, situation or cross it
leads us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen. |
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Hymn - Beloved Community of God - Hymns of
the Saints #414 |
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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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It is a most wonderful feeling to hear "make yourself at
home." It is beyond human telling when it is God who welcomes us with
these heartwarming words, "Make yourself at home." God loves you and
invites you to share this time with Him. We thank you God for this time
to listen to you. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Let the counsel, "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand" call us to
a specific response to the ministry of the Lord Jesus in our lives. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We look forward to the day when all peoples are free from injustice and
persecution. Help us to be instruments of change; to offer hope to those
who are less fortunate, to offer comfort and aid to those who are
helpless, and to work in our homes and communities to further the cause
of equality. Help us to remember that we are all parts of the same
family, all deserving of love and respect. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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This day we pray for the country of Libya. May the people and their
leaders learn to know and teach 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.
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| The People Pray in Silence |
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Gracious God, our words seldom truly express our heart's desires. There
is a feeling that just beyond our words lies a truer expression of our
prayers. Hear that prayer, O God, and help us to discipline our hearts
and our minds that our prayers come ever closer to expressing your will.
Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We will conclude our service 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.
Just as the woman in the crowd was healed when she touched the hem of
Jesus' garment, may people be healed as they touch you. Go and heal, in
Jesus' name. So shall you be healed. Amen. |
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| Postlude |
