Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Nigeria
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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 Nigeria in our prayers. Nigeria is
located in West Africa and is one-third larger than Texas and the most
populous country in Africa. It is situated on the Gulf of Guinea. The
official language is English but there are over 200 others spoken.
Corruption and notorious governmental inefficiency as well as a harshly
repressive military regime reigned over this oil-rich country, turning
it into an international pariah. A United Nations fact-finding mission
in 1996 reported that Nigeria's “problems of human rights are terrible
and the political problems are terrifying.” During the 1970s, Nigeria
had the 33rd highest per-capita income in the world, but by 1997 it had
dropped to the 13th poorest. As leader of the multination peacekeeping
force ECOMOG, Nigeria established itself as West Africa's superpower,
but costly war efforts were unpopular with its own people, who felt
Nigeria's limited economic resources were being unnecessarily drained.
With the psalmist we say, "Give ear to our King, and our God; for unto
thee will we pray."
Now let us join together in worship of our Creator, our Guide, and our
Savior. Amen. |
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| Scripture Reading: I John 3:14-17 NRSV |
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We know that we have passed from death to
life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in
death....We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us--and we
ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide
in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need
and yet refuses help? |
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Prayer for Peace by Irmal Dauer, Napa,
California |
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Dear Lord,
Joined in spirit and intent, your people humbly bow before you in
confidence and trust that you will hear our prayers, for we do remember
your promise that where two or three are gathered, there you will be
also.
As we kneel before you our hearts are full of the joy of your presence
which lifts us above the common things of earth and opens the very doors
of heaven to all those who seek to know your will. As members of your
great family of humankind, we pray for your guidance not only of this
church, but also for every soul who cries unto you this day; wherever
they may be.
We recognize only in part your infinite grace and loving kindness toward
us and to all your creation. In faith, we pray that you will bless us
with your guidance and your spirit so that every prayer may always be in
accordance with your will. May this world soon know the understanding
and peace that comes only from you, our Savior and our God! In the name
orf Jesus, the Christ, we pray. Amen. |
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Hymn - We Thank Thee, God, for Eyes to See -
Hymns of the Saints #465 |
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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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O God of Peace, We praise you and give thanks for your
gentle, guiding calm in our lives. We give thanks for safety, food,
shelter, and a nation where we are free to pursue those things. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Forgive our sinful ways we humbly ask, and bring to our remembrance
those actions and deeds we should be engaged in to foster peace in the
world. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We especially remember Nigeria this day. May their citizens and leaders
be open to the light that gives counsel and comfort and guidance, we
pray. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We would also remember current needs in our nation as well as our
personal inadequacies and concerns. Heal us we humbly pray, O God. |
| 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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We pray for all people everywhere who search for peace, and may we
follow the lead of Jesus. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We conclude our service today with Ministry of Music.
You are invited to remain to pray or meditate in the quiet of this place
for as long as you may wish.
Let us go from this place and follow the direction of that Spirit who
ever leads us. Go in peace and be peacemakers. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
