Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Sweden
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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We welcome you to this quiet, simple place
today as 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 Sweden in our prayers. Located in
Northern Europe, Sweden has not participated in any war in almost two
centuries. Sweden's long-successful economic formula of a capitalist
system interlarded with substantial welfare elements was challenged in
the 1990s by high unemployment and in 2000-02 by the global economic
downturn, but fiscal discipline over the past several years has allowed
the country to weather the economic vacuum. Indecision over the
country's role in the political and economic integration of Europe
delayed Sweden's entry into the European Union until 1995, and waived
the introduction of the Euro in 1999. Radioactive fallout from Chernobyl
underscored Sweden's resolve to dismantle its nuclear power plants, a
process which was begun in 1997.
Let us unite as one in supplication to our God for guidance in
peacemaking. The God of peace will be with us. |
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| Scripture Reading: Psalm 72:1-7 The Inclusive
Psalms |
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O God, give your anointed one your
judgment—
and your justice.
Teach your chosen one to govern your people rightly
and bring justice to the
oppressed.
The mountains will bring the people peace
and the hills justice!
Your anointed will defend the oppressed among the people,
and save the children of the
poor.
The reign of the anointed will endure
as long as the sun and moon—
throughout the generations.
The rule of the chosen one will be
like rain coming down on the
meadow,
like showers watering the
earth.
Justice will flower through the days, and profound peace,
until the moon be no more. |
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Prayer for Peace by Kathy McAdam, Burnaby,
British Columbia., Canada |
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May peace lap at the edges of our restless minds as the
tide laps at the shore. The peace of God will surround us gently and
slowly. It will flood our souls and calm our ripples of restlessness. In
quiet moments when our problems and fear creep in and invade our minds,
may we let the rolling waves of God's loving Spirit wash away our fears.
May our problems be carried on the crest of our Creator's Spirit. May we
be refreshed and renewed by the surging waters of love that wash over
us. God of the seas and the waves, give us peace. Amen. |
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Hymn - Rise Up, O Saints of God - Hymns of
the Saints #378 |
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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, Creator of all that is or has ever been, we
praise you for knowing us, a small portion of your creation. We thank
you for all the blessings of this life: for family, friends, and those
who give particular meaning to our lives. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We confess our shortcomings before you, even our sins that prevent us
from being the persons you created us to be. Forgive us, we humbly pray,
and guide us into paths of truer servanthood. Help us to be the
peacemakers we yearn to be. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We lift up before you the country of Sweden and its inhabitants. May
they know peace among themselves and with others. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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May our desires be a reflection of your plan for all creation as we ask
your blessing on our needs and concerns this day. |
| 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 prayer, O God, as we offer ourselves to be instruments of your
peace. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We conclude our service for 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.
Jesus came for one purpose—to bring Godself to us. The wonder of that
gift astounds us. Peace arises from the wellspring of hope and we are
empowered. Go in peace to serve God. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
