Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Austria
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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We greet you in the name of the
God who has called us to peace. 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 Austria in our prayers. Located in
Central Europe, Austria is landlocked by several neighboring countries.
During WWII it’s industrial cities were heavily bombed by Allies in
1944-45; invaded by Soviet armies from the East in 1945 and the Allies
from the West at the same time. They reestablished as a republic in
1945, but were occupied by four powers, the United States, the USSR,
Great Britain, and France from 1944-1955. The country declared itself a
neutral state in 1955, and established a prosperous economy during the
following years. Austria joined the European Union in 1995 and the euro
monetary system in 1999. Manufacturing, powered by hydroelectricity,
drives the nation's export trade; Austria also profits from iron ore,
oil, and timber. Forests have been damaged by air pollution, despite
environmental regulations. Farms, many located along the Danube River,
provide 80 percent of food needs. Vienna is a world center of the arts.
It is also the headquarters for many international organizations.
We light this candle as a symbol of our commitment to a just and
peaceful world. May the peace of God who has called us here be with us
as we worship together. |
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| Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:7 IV |
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The prophet Jeremiah says, "Seek the peace
of the city and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof
shall ye have peace." |
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Prayer for Peace by Anneke Compier, Bedford,
Texas |
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At this moment we come to you like many people around
the world, to pray for peace. We pray for an inner peace that only you
can give: an inner peace that will help us see others through your eyes.
Only then will we not hate the other anymore. Only then will we treat
the other not as an "it" or as just another thing, but as a "Thou": a
person in whom we will truly see you. We pray that we may be called your
sons and daughters and that we may make a difference in our daily lives
which we share with others.
Help us to find the opportunities to speak out for peace and to work for
peace. We also pray for peace for the countries that are at war right
now.
Dear God, I hope that we can learn from a saying of Erasmus who in the
16th century said: "If the name of the country has such a nature to
create bonds between those who have a common country, why do not people
resolve than that the earth should become the country of all."
This is my prayer in Jesus' name. Amen. |
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Hymn - Gather Your Children - Sing for
Peace #3 |
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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: for all people in
their daily life and work; for our families, friends, and neighbors, and
for those who are alone; for this community, the nations, and the world;
and for those who work for justice, freedom, and peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Today we remember especially your people in Austria. May they be able to
share peace with their neighbors, and become a country united in the
pursuit of peace and justice. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the just and proper use of your creation; for the victims of
hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression; for all who are in danger,
sorrow, or any kind of trouble; for those who minister to the sick, the
friendless, and the needy. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the peace and unity of all the people of God; for all who
teach peace, and all who seek peace. We confess to you our shortcomings;
in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done,
and left undone. |
| 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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Lord, hear our prayers, and send your Holy Spirit to be with us as we
seek to know and to do your will. To you we give the honor and the
praise and the glory. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We now conclude our service today with Ministry of
Music. We invite you to leave quietly or remain to pray or meditate for
as long as you may wish.
As you leave this house, put peace into the hands of all you meet and
the God of Peace will go before you, and follow behind you, and walk
beside you always. Let us go forth and do peace. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
