Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
|
 |
Sierra Leone
Would you like to learn
more about Sierra Leone?
Visit
Lonely
Planet.
|
Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
| |
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 Sierra Leone in our prayers. Sierra
Leone is located in Western Africa. Since 1991, civil war between the
government and the Revolutionary United Front has resulted in tens of
thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people
(well over one-third of the population) many of whom are now refugees in
neighboring countries. National elections were held in May 2002 and the
government continues to slowly reestablish its authority. Although on
the rapid return to stability, Sierra Leone remains a country emerging
from a brutal 10-year conflict and decades of corruption and political
upheaval. Drug and gem smuggling remain a problem and large numbers of
refugees have entered the country from Liberia in the wake of that
country's ongoing civil strife.
God of peace, come into our midst with your Spirit and guide us into
ways of peace and justice for all your creation. Give us eyes to see,
ears to hear, and touch our hearts to praise only you. |
| |
| Scripture Reading: Isaiah 32:17-18 KJV; Isaiah
54:10 KJV |
| |
And the work of righteousness shall be
peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.
And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure
dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my steadfast
love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be
removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you. |
| |
|
Prayer for Peace by Author Unknown |
| |
O Lord, our God, we come before you with praise and
thanksgiving for the beauty of your world. We are humbled at the
infinite mercy and grace that you bestow on us as a part of your
creation. You give each of us worth as people, and forgive us when we do
not live up to the potential that you have entrusted to us. Help us ever
to be more mindful of the needs of those around us--needs where we can
be your hands if we will take the time to seek you and be willing to
move out in faith.
We pray that we might be instruments of peace in a troubled world. We
pray for the leaders of all the nations of the world--that they may have
a desire for peace, that they might be enlightened to those ways that
can bring peace--that they can set aside greed and self-interest. We
come asking that your love and joy might touch our souls.
All around the world we lift our prayers for renewed courage, for
greater strength, and an endowment of your spirit that our discipleship
might be a positive influence in your world.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. |
| |
|
Hymn - Lord, Speak to Me - Hymns of the
Saints #412 |
| |
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. |
| |
Let us join in a common confession of our sins. Forgive
us the arrogance of our pride of race, of nation, and of class, by which
we put down others and thus break the community of the human family, in
defiance of your will. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
For the sin of our self-concern, where we seek first our own private
good, in getting and gaining, to the neglect of our neighbor's needs
near and far, we ask forgiveness. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
For our casual and careless disdain for the good earth, in all its
majesty and beauty, which we plunder and despoil for present gain,
counting not the dire cost the future must pay, we ask your forgiveness. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
We ask your watchcare and blessing for the people of Sierra Leon. Help
them, and us, to learn peaceful ways to settle our differences. May
pride of religion not keep us from loving all people. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
We ask divine blessing upon the needs and
concerns of those gathered here this day. Hear our petitions we humbly
ask. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
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 |
| |
We pray in the name of the Giver of Peace, Amen. |
| |
| Sending Forth |
| |
We conclude our service today with Meditation Music. We
invite you to leave quietly or remain to pray or meditate for as long as
you may wish.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.
As we go from this house of prayer, let us be the peacemakers and
peacekeepers we are called to be. Amen. |
| |
| Ministry of Music |
