Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Tonga
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more about Tonga?
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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 Tonga in our prayers. The
archipelago of "The Friendly Islands," located in the South Pacific
Ocean, was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a
constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900.
Tonga acquired its independence in 1970 and became a member of the
Commonwealth of Nations. It remains the only monarchy in the Pacific. A
pro-democracy movement, organized in the early 1990s by people who
believed the monarchy had outlived its relevance, supports Tonga's first
political party, the Tonga Democratic Party. The concept of the communal
extended family is so fundamental in Tongan life that parents have no
real sense of 'possession' of their children, who are frequently shifted
from one household to another, and may have several places to call home
as a result.
Seldom does God shout to get our attention often just a whisper. Let us
listen ever so closely. God is calling ever so urgently. |
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| Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:4 11 NRSV |
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Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of
Israel, “Build houses and live in them; seek the welfare of the city
where I have sent you and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its
welfare you will find your welfare. I know the plans I have for you,”
says the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope.” |
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Prayer for Peace by Gloria V. Mitchell, Prince
Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada |
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IS IT YOU
Into the world came the light
A star foretold the birth of Him
Who came to give us worth.
Into the world came Jesus Christ
A life to show the way.
For poor souls searching. Is it you?
Into the world came Peace
Disguised as a son on earth,
A Savior from his birth.
Into our world comes the sound of Peace
Not from silence or ignorance;
Words of a redeeming grace. Is it you?
Into our world comes the light
Hearts reflecting God's greatest gift
Candle flame, spiraling, spiritual lift.
Into our world comes Peace.
One candle, one reflection, one person practicing peace
Now two candles, two reflections, two people practicing peace.
Is it you? |
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Hymn - O May Thy Church Build Bridges -
Hymns of the Saints #431 |
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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, we come now to be with you and to listen for your
voice. Please bless us with your presence. We want to hear what you
would teach us about bringing peace into this world. We desire to do
your will. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray the continuing ministry of God's Holy Spirit in Tonga. May they
continue in their desire to be a nation of peace and share their
goodness with others. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for courage as we seek the welfare of the city where we live.
Help us each serve you where there is need. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for God's forgiveness for those times when we have not been
loving or compassionate. Teach us of your peace. |
| 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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In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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Our service will conclude now with Ministry of Music.
You are invited to leave this place in quiet or remain to pray or
meditate for as long as you may wish.
Let us go from this house and be peacemakers. It is to this that we have
been called, and for which we have been commissioned. The God of Peace
will guide us. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
