Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
|
 |
Cameroon
Would you like to learn
more about Cameroon?
Visit
Lonely
Planet. |
Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
| |
It is good to welcome you to
this sacred place, and thank you for your gift of presence.
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 remember the people of Cameroon in our prayers. Located in
West Africa, Cameroon is a mixture desert plains in the north, mountains
in the central regions, and tropical rain forest in the south. Cameroon
is one of Africa's most naturally and culturally diverse countries. In
addition to its French and British colonial past, there are over 130
ethnic groups in the country speaking dozens of languages. Cameroon has
generally enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of
agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry.
Despite movement toward democratic reform, political power remains
firmly in the hands of an ethnic oligarchy.
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. Thank you, again, for
joining us today. |
| |
| Reading: John 14:27 IV |
| |
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. |
| |
|
Prayer for Peace by Bruce Lindgren,
Independence, Missouri |
| |
We pause at this time in our day, and in this Temple, to
offer a prayer for peace in our world. We are aware that peace is often
missing from our lives, and for this we must repent. Despite our best
intentions, we often find ourselves engaged in activities that work
against the peace we desire and the peace you have called us to.
O Lord, we stand in need of your forgiveness and redemption. Turn our
foolishness into your victory, and transform our mistakes into moments
of grace. We are aware that there is no true and lasting peace without
justice, and we are aware of places where justice is still in fragile
infancy. May peace and justice grow in harmony in all places where they
are fragile and new.
You have called us to be peacemakers, O God, and yet we realize that we
can do so only when we carry your peace, and not our own. Help us to be
makers of your peace. Work through us, that your peace and your justice
and your mercy will rule in our world. We ask for your blessings, O God,
but may they be blessings that bring about your peaceful reign.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. |
| |
|
Hymn - Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
— Solo |
| |
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. |
| |
God of all nations and all peoples, by whatever name you
are known, we come before you in praise and thanksgiving for your
creation of peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
Forgive our sins of selfishness and pride, we humbly ask. Guide us into
the joy of being and into the desire for joyful peace for all peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
We pray particularly for the nation of Cameroon this day. May its
citizens know that you are the God of all nations and the Creator of all
peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
We would also pray that the needs and concerns of the people gathered
here would be heard and answered by your divine wisdom. We ask your
guidance as we try to live by your standards of peace in our daily
living. |
| 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 |
| |
Hear our collective prayers, O Prince of Peace that your peace may
become the peace of this world. Amen. |
| |
| Sending Forth |
| |
We conclude our service today with ministry of music. We
invite you to remain in the quiet of this place to pray or meditate for
as long as you may wish.
You were called to this place today to pray for the cause of peace. Now
you are called to go out and become an instrument for peace in your
community. Go with God’s blessings to become makers of peace. |
| |
| Ministry of Music |
