Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Bolivia
Would you like to learn
more about Bolivia?
Visit
Lonely
Planet.
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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We greet you in the name of
Jesus who calls us to peace, and thank you for joining us for prayer.
Each day in this sacred place, 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 Bolivia in our prayers. Located in
Central South America, Bolivia is poor, mountainous, and landlocked.
Bolivia broke away from Spanish rule in 1825. Much of its subsequent
history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups.
Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in the 1980s, but
leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social
unrest, and drug production. Current goals include attracting foreign
investment, strengthening the educational system, continuing the
privatization program, and waging an anti-corruption campaign. In 1987
Bolivia made the world's first debt-for-nature swap.
As we light our candle, may its flame cause us to open our minds, and
challenge us to new avenues of peace as we worship together. |
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| Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 13:11 |
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Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in
peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. |
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Prayer for Peace by Karen Freberg, Cincinnati,
Ohio |
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God of rainbows
blending colors
defining brilliance
God of earth and sky and sea
birthing each and all
named sacred
God of humans
varieties of skin and voice and land
calling each precious
God of presence
offering love and word and way
waiting response
God of tears
we grasp in our hands all that You offer
even as we
strip the land, deny space, silence the voices,
negate rights, desecrate resources
and treat others as less—much less
as their tears fall in the rivers
and we say—now—we have peace
and Your tears fall over all
God of mercy
wash out our eyes
redesign our words
refit our vision
realign our understanding
whisper again in our hearts
turn our faces to the east, west, north, south
God of peace
when love abounds
when each and all are worthy
when each has place and plenty
when justice reigns
when righteousness flourishes
when Jesus is our good news
then peace will be beyond our knowing. Amen. |
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Hymn - Called by Christ to Love Each Other -
Sing for Peace #36 |
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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. Guide us into
the joy of being, and the desire for joyful peace for all peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray particularly for the nation and people of Bolivia this day.
Bless them with strength and courage as they work to build a peaceful
future for their children. |
| 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. Forgive our sins of selfishness and pride, we humbly ask. |
| 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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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 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.
May the God of peace be with us as we go forth to be peacemakers in our
world. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
