Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Finland
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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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 Finland in our prayers. Located in
far-northern Europe, forests cover two-thirds of Finland and the arctic
zone one-third, including the largest unspoilt wilderness in Europe.
Despite a short growing season, Finland is self-sufficient in meat,
grains, and dairy products. For years, the wood and paper industry
dominated Finland's exports; but now the metal/engineering/electronic
aspects of industry have surpassed forest products. Finland declared its
independence in 1917 after centuries of war and domination by Russia.
More recently, as a member of the European Union, Finland was the only
Nordic state to join the euro system at its initiation in January 1999.
In February 2000, Finns elected their first female president.
As we light the Candle of Peace, let us reflect on the absence of peace
and its effect on our world. (silence) Now let us worship together as we
seek new ways to pursue peace and dedicate ourselves to ongoing peace. |
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| Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:7 |
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The peace of God, which surpasses all
comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. |
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Prayer for Peace by Susan Dayle Deitsch, St.
Marys, Ohio |
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We know the part we play.... Each and every day ...
To heal the brokenness of humankind.
Lend a helping hand.... Feed the hungry man....
Mend the separation of the mind.
Crying in the night....We may start to see the light....
The beauty and the balance of the earth.
All creation is our home.... Earth, water, star, and stone,
Love is the cradle of our birth.
Let walls crumble down....Where barriers abound....
And hands touch in kinship never known.
Let joy and laughter break....From the music that we make,
In the voices of freedom we have grown.
You lift us up indeed....As we cast the tiny seed....
Of respect and peace across the universe and into space.
None is more or less....All has sacredness....
As each person finds their purpose, path and place.
His spirit now descends....Enemies changed to friends....
The spiral expands embracing all.
Hear us as we plead....From confusion to be freed....
And move us toward PEACE as our call. Amen |
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Hymn - Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands -
Sing for Peace #15 |
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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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Great God of all nations, races, and creeds, we praise
you. You are our refuge in times of trial and our joy in times of
celebration. We thank you and praise you. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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You are the fount of intelligence by which we earn our bread and seek to
serve you. We praise you. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We acknowledge those times when we have been less than you created us to
be. Heal our brokenness, and lead us into paths of peace as we praise
you. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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This day we especially pray for your blessings on the people and the
nation of Finland. May they know peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We would also remember those who hunger and thirst for food, knowledge,
friends, shelter, or clothing. Open our hearts so we will be part of the
solution, not the cause of hurt in our world. |
| 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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O God of Peace, may your truth radiate from this place as we seek to be
your people of peace in the 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.
Let us go from this house and be the people of peace we are called to
be. May the God of all people help us to keep our good resolves this
day. Go in peace. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
