Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Gabon
Would you like to learn more about Gabon?
Visit Lonely
Planet. |
Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Good afternoon, and thank you
for joining us in this service of prayer. We welcome you 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 Gabon in our prayers. Located in
western Africa, Gabon introduced a multiparty system and a new
constitution in the early 1990s that allowed for a more transparent
electoral process and for reforms of governmental institutions. A small
population, abundant natural resources, and foreign private investment
have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous African countries.
More than three-quarters of the country is forested. The World Wildlife
Fund assists in managing two tropical reserves and earmarking areas for
future protection. Gabon is particularly noted for its woodcarvings and
masks. The Gabonese art of mask making has been lost and the only place
you can see them today is in the museum.
You have come here today expecting to be greeted by the Lord. Be assured
that you will not be disappointed. The Lord has promised that we will
not be turned away empty handed. |
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| Scripture Reading: Isaiah 32:17-18 KJ21 |
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And the work of righteousness shall be
peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for
ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure
dwellings and in quiet resting places. |
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Prayer for Peace by Don Lents, Independence,
Missouri |
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Creator,
Accept our thanks for quiet periods of meditation. It is our hope and
prayer that we will take advantage of these few moments of worship. We
are aware of your counsel in days past to “be still and know I am God.”
Help us realize that this direction continues to be very viable in our
lives today.
This Temple and sanctuary have been erected and dedicated for the
pursuit of peace. We count it a privilege and opportunity to take
advantage of this hour as we take steps toward fulfilling that goal.
We feel the gentle breeze of peace resting upon us as we sit in
contemplation. In this sacred place, Father, we become aware of your
many people the world over, who seek the same goal. Help us to
consistently develop a holy concern for your human family.
We realize that as we respond to divine direction our individual selves
will be lifted up and we will sense and appreciate peace in its many
facets. This O Lord, will help us individually and collectively to
influence and assist others to have similar commitments.
Help and direct us we pray, to be helpful and supportive in the peace
building process. We have the desire to be constructive rather than
destructive. We pray that we will be able to see beneath the surface of
one another so we truly see the intentions of each heart. It is then,
Lord, we will be free from restrictions of custom and be able to do the
peaceful and loving things in all situations and circumstances.
This we pray, today, in the name of the great peacemaker, Jesus, our
Lord and Savior. Amen. |
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Hymn - With a Steadfast Faith -
Hymns of the Saints #497 |
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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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Adonai, Allah, Great Spirit, 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 in your Spirit and into
the desire of joyful peace for all peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray particularly for the nation and people of Gabon this day. May
they know that you are the God of all nations and the Parent of all
peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Great God, we would also ask for your guidance as we try to live by your
standards of peace in our daily living. Forgive our sins of selfishness
and pride, we humbly ask. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the concerns of those gathered here today. Teach us to
listen for your guidance, we pray. |
| 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. We
invite you to remain in the quiet of this place to pray or meditate for
as long as you may wish.
Now may the peace of God our Creator go with you as you leave to teach
peace to all you meet in your world. Amen |
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| Ministry of Music |
