Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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New Caledonia
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more about New Caledonia?
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Lonely
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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We welcome you to this sacred place, and thank you for coming to share
in worship and prayer. 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 New Caledonia in our prayers. New
Caledonia is a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Settled by
both Britain and France during the first half of the 19th century, the
island was made a French possession in 1853. It served as a penal colony
for four decades after 1864. Agitation for independence during the 1980s
and early 1990s seems to have dissipated. The Noumea Accords of early
1998 were a blow to the pro-independence movement, as they put off
independence for the territory until 2013 at the earliest. The reason
for the delay was due to fears that the referendum could lead to a
renewal of violence. In the meantime, the independence issue defines
politics and ethnic relations.
Come, let us bow down to the Lord, our Creator. In the stillness of this
hour, may our thoughts center on our purpose for gathering, the prayers
of the people for peace throughout the world. |
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| Scripture Reading: John 14:27 IV |
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Peace I leave with you, my peace I give
unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart
be troubled, neither let it be afraid. |
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Prayer for Peace by Bert Schinzing, Taylor,
South Carolina |
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Dear Father in Heaven,
Wonderful maker of life and joy and peace, creator of every single thing
on earth both great and small. You have filled the earth with good
things in abundance. You have created us to make use of all good things.
We thank you and praise you.
Your will is the law of the universe, the way for us to learn and to
follow. We know that you have a plan for each one of us. Every blade of
grass is counted and every drop of water is known to you. Every pebble
and sand on the beach has its place in your glorious plan. O how
wonderful is your world.
We know that you love each one of us. You gave us your only son, Jesus,
as an example to lead us and to teach us. And you have promised that we
will live in plenty if we put you first in our lives.
Forgive us, O Heavenly Father, for not putting you first in our lives.
Give us faith, Dear One. Help us to understand that no task is too large
or too small that we cannot glorify you through it. Grant us strength to
overcome all barriers. Help us to remember that all obstacles of the
past have been overcome with your help, and any obstacle of the present
or future are no greater. You will help us to overcome them too. We know
that you can remove every stone and every cord which binds our hopes and
dreams.
We seek your help in all things each day, in our families, our school,
our business and especially in our relationship with others. Make us a
caring people, O Lord. Teach us to be thankful for the blessings we do
have. Teach us to be faithful to you and to serve you through serving
your human family. Strengthen our courage this day to rise and go forth
in hope and peace as we look to you in love and trust. Amen |
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Hymn - Of All the Spirit's Gifts to Me -
Sing for Peace #12 |
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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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When the Psalmist exclaimed about God, "Thou art greatly
to be praised" he was talking from experience. Out of our experience,
let us voice our praise to God. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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New encounters with God bring fresh awareness of God's call to move into
new ways of living. Leaving is never easy, but especially difficult when
we are comfortable where we are. God, help us to risk new ventures. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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The people of New Caledonia work and play, eat and sleep, dream of peace
as they long for freedom from threats of violence. Watch over them, we
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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God, sometimes our human problems seem to create impossible barriers.
Our souls wilt, our spirits droop. Help us to support and encourage each
other. May the word of encouragement and the sustaining prayer be our
gifts to you today. 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 Peace of Jesus go with you as you strive to build peace. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
