Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Gabon
Would you like to learn more about Gabon?
Visit Lonely
Planet. |
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 Gabon in our prayers. Located in
western Africa, Gabon introduced a multiparty system and a new
constitution in the early 1990s that allowed for a more transparent
electoral process and for reforms of governmental institutions. A small
population, abundant natural resources, and foreign private investment
have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous black African
countries. More than three-quarters of the country is forested. The
World Wildlife Fund assists in managing two tropical reserves and
earmarking areas for future protection. Gabon is particularly noted for
its woodcarvings and masks. The Gabonese art of mask making has been
lost and the only place you can see them today is in the museum.
We greet you in the name of the One who calls us to peace. Let us unite
in our prayers for peace that we may be open to new paths as we pursue
that peace. May God bless our worship as we honor our Creator. |
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| Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-2, 4, 10-11 IV |
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God is our refuge and strength, a present
help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear. There shall be a river, the
streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the
tabernacle of the Most High. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be
exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts shall be with us, the God of
Jacob our refuge. |
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Prayer for Peace by Barbara Howard,
Independence, Missouri |
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God of all the earth and all the earth's peoples moves
in us to pray for peace.
May the spirit of reconciliation like flood waters fill the places of
political power.
May the healing waters of God's love baptize the hearts of warring
people.
May God use us to shatter walls of fear and prejudice.
May we build, rather than destroy.
Let God be our source of strength rather than relying on arms.
May we arm ourselves with confidence in God's creative power to move us
from terror to trust.
May we be God's peacemakers. |
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Hymn - Creator God, Creating Still - Hymns
of the Saints #190 |
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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. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for this community, the nations, and the world. Today we
remember especially your people in Gabon, and for those who work for
justice, freedom, and peace. May they continue in their desire to help
make Gabon a nation of peace. |
| 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. We pray for all who are in
danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; for those who minister to the
sick, the friendless, and the needy. We pray for the peace and unity of
all who proclaim the gospel, and all who seek the truth. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the special needs and concerns of this congregation as we
confess our shortcomings. In your compassion forgive us, we humbly pray. |
| 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 do your will. May we be at peace, in Jesus' name we
pray. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We now conclude our service 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.
And now, Great God, bless us with peace as we depart from this house.
Guide us continually that we may create peace with justice, goodness,
and mercy, for your honor and glory. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
