Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Switzerland
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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In the quiet, simple dignity of this place we gather to worship.
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 Switzerland in our prayers. Located
in central Europe, Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long
been honored by the major European powers. Independent since 1815,
Switzerland borders now encompass 26 cantons embracing three official
languages-German, French, and Italian. Switzerland's decision to apply
for membership in the European Union indicates its desire to compete in
global markets with exports that make up 44 percent of the nation's
economy. Elaborate civil defense measures and a strong militia back up
the Swiss policy of permanent neutrality. Although not a member of the
United Nations, Switzerland is firmly committed to world peace.
May God guide our worship as we seek the divine mind for us at this time
and for this day. |
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| Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 INT |
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Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
clothe yourselves with heartfelt compassion, with kindness, humility,
gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another; forgive whatever
grievances you have against one another – forgive in the same way God
has forgiven you. Above all else, put on love, which binds the rest
together and makes them perfect.
Let Christ’s peace reign in your hearts since, as members of one body,
you have been called to that peace. Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness.
Let the Word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you. Instruct and
admonish one another wisely. Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in
psalms, hymns and songs of the Spirit. And whatever you do, whether in
speech or in action, do it in the name of Jesus our Savior, giving
thanks to God through Christ. |
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Prayer for Peace by Wallace B. Smith,
Independence, Missouri |
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God of earth and sea and sky, God of us all, we come to you at this
moment with heads bowed in acknowledgement of your presence in our
midst. As we raise our voices to you in prayer and song may the unspoken
meditations of our hearts also lift in the warmth of your Spirit until
they have penetrated the very vault of heaven and returned to us blessed
by your love and grace.
Even in this quiet moment in this peaceful place, we are reminded anew
of the many places in your world where strife and enmity, sorrow and
pain are being experienced by your sons and daughters. Lord, we have
such a desire to be the instruments through which release and relief can
come to those who are suffering the effects of persecution and
oppression. But we sense just how flawed even our best intentions are
and how blemished with pride are even our most humble efforts to be your
servants. Touch our impulses with your grace, O Lord, that they may be
cleansed and rendered acceptable for your purposes.
May all those in distress feel the peace of your comforting presence
this very hour as our petitions ascend to you. For we offer our prayer
in the blessed name of your Son, Jesus the Christ, Amen. |
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Hymn - Lord Jesus of You I Will Sing -
Sing for Peace #31 |
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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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God of all that is, all that ever was, and all that shall come to
be, we praise you. We give thanks for this time of remembering your
goodness, your loving care, your guidance and your plan for creation to
be at peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Forgive us when we have not remembered and have been guilty of actions
and thoughts that did not promote peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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This day, O God, we remember the nation of Switzerland and its people.
May they use their resources to further the cause of peace and justice
in our world. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We would also remember the concerns of those gathered here to bring
before you our personal cares and hopes. |
| 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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May the Prince of Peace in whose name we have met help us to fulfill our
commitment to peace. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We conclude our service for today with Meditation Music. We invite
you to leave quietly or remain in the quiet of this place to pray or
meditate for as long as you may wish.
May the God of grace and glory and peace guide us to new paths of peace,
for all our sakes. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
