Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Uganda
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Good afternoon, and welcome 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 remember the people of Uganda in our prayers. Located in
Eastern Africa, Uganda achieved independence from the United Kingdom in
1962. Before independence, Uganda was a prosperous and cohesive country.
Its great beauty led Winston Churchill to refer to it as the 'Pearl of
Africa', but by the mid-1980s Uganda lay shattered and bankrupt. Despite
the brutality of its history, Ugandans appears to have weathered the
storm remarkably well. Uganda is a country with one of the fastest
growing economies in Africa. Fertile soil keeps famine at bay and coffee
plantations flourishing, but the AIDS-epidemic in some areas is now
Uganda's greatest enemy. Uganda's population is made up of a complex and
diverse range of tribes. Each tribe has its musical history; songs that
are passed down from generation to generation.
Christ, whose presence shines like daybreak in the darkness of all our
pain and fear, calls us to worship. May the light of Christ fill our
hearts this day. |
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| Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:9 |
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Jesus said, “Those things which you have
both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God
of peace shall be with you.” |
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Prayer for Peace by Donna M. Pratt, Des
Moines, Iowa |
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Heavenly Parent,
Out of the silence we come to You.
To You who gives voice to the thunder and to the laughter of children,
To You who allows us to see the beauty of your earth which was created
for us to use wisely,
Who allows us to smell the new-mown hay as well as the bread freshly
baked for your Holy Sacrament, or to share with a neighbor,
Who allows us to touch hands in friendship and to soothe the brow of
those who are at times troubled and weary.
We ask that you create in us a new being,
a being that is hungering for peace,
One that would go the second mile, and the third, and the fourth.
Help us to have hearts that respond positively when we think that we are
wronged,
Help us to see "the other side" of every situation in which we are
involved.
For we know, dear God, that it is through our faith in You that we are
blessed.
And this blessing can, when used correctly,
Bring about that Peace for which we have yearned so long.
As we observe the lighted peace candle, let us center our thoughts on
peace.
Peace...what a beautiful sound.
Let it start with me. Amen. |
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Hymn - I Love You, Lord (sing 3 times)
- Sing a New Song #18 |
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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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In peace, we pray to you, Lord God. We humbly ask your
blessing upon all people in their daily life and work; for our families,
friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the well-being of this community, the nations, and
especially the people of Uganda this day. They are a people who practice
peace. Bless them in their efforts to be a light of peace in this
war-torn corner of our world. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We remember the special needs and concerns of those here gathered and we
confess to you our shortcomings. In your compassion forgive us our sins,
we ask. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Open our eyes for new ways to accomplish a just and proper use of your
creation. We have exploited the land and its people. Teach us to work
for justice, freedom, and peace, not for ourselves alone but for all
persons. |
| 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. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Hear our prayers, Great God, and send your Holy Spirit to be with us as
we seek to know you and do your will. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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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.
Now, go from here with the peace that only the Creator can give to be
peacemakers in your own special way in your part of the world. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
