Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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United
Arab
Emirates
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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 the United Arab Emirates in our
prayers. The United Arab Emirates is a union of seven sovereign
sheikhdoms, formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. The
United Arab Emirates has become a major international business center
and one of the most stable and untroubled countries in the Arab world,
although there have been controversies to deal with. Border disputes
among the emirates. Falling oil prices in early 1998 affected the
government revenues, but more recently the UAE has developed an economy
less reliant on oil revenues. The large expatriate labor force has
raised issues of wages and working conditions, bringing into focus the
rights of foreign workers. With its massively multicultural population,
the United Arab Emirates is one of the most liberal and pluralistic
countries in the Gulf region.
As we light our candle, may its flame cause us to open our minds, and
challenge us to new avenues of peace as we worship together. |
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| Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 13:11 IV |
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Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and
the God of love and peace shall be with you. |
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Prayer for Peace by Joyce Upsom, from the book
Fresh Bread |
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Our Creator and Lover of Peace—
For those of us who have an abundance of love, a bounty in heart and
home, may we be mindful of the world's poor.
For those of us who carry hurts and angers and other heartaches, help us
to feel the peace which only you can give and the grace to let go of
long burdening memories.
For those of us who struggle with the lack of riches, who know what
unemployment and empty pockets feel like, gift us with a counting of
blessings which are often hidden and far more valuable than earthly
treasure.
For those of us whose faith has grown dim, raise in our hearts a great
yearning for you that will not cease, and a desire for the truth that
cannot be ignored.
For those of us who are tired, weary, and worn out from constant
generous giving of our lives in love, may you be our energy and
enthusiasm, may you generate a deep spark of light and happiness within
us.
For those of us who grieve the goodbye of a loved one and whose hearts
are lonely this time of year, touch us with dear memories and transform
the heartache into a vision of what lies far beyond this time and space.
For those whose lives speak of growing old, bless them again with peace
and serenity, let them know what gentle witnesses they are to all of us
who still ponder the meaning of life and growth.
And finally God, for those with young eyes, keep their hearts full of
wonder. Thank you for slipping some of their delight and simplicity into
our own hearts. Amen. |
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Hymn - We’re Singing a Peace Song - Sing
for Peace #19 |
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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 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, and the desire for joyful peace for all peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray particularly for the nation and people of the United Arab
Emirates this day. May all people know that you are the God of all
nations and the Parent of all peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the concerns of those gathered here today. Great God, we
would also ask for your guidance as we try to live by your standards of
peace. Forgive our sins of selfishness and pride, we humbly ask. |
| 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. You are
invited to remain to pray or meditate in the quiet of this place for as
long as you may wish.
May the God of peace be with us as we go forth to be peacemakers in our
world. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
