Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
|
Would you like to learn
more
about Cyprus?
Visit
Lonely
Planet. |
Cyprus
|
Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
| |
We welcome you today to the
quiet of 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 Cyprus in our prayers. Cyprus is an
island in the Mediterranean. Cyprus has always been an important trading
post between the empires of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East;
throughout history someone has always wanted to take it from someone
else. In 1925, Cyprus became a crown colony of the United Kingdom, but
the Cypriots by then were tired of being controlled by someone else and
began agitating for self-determination. This laid the foundations for
the continuing Greek/Turkish conflict.
In 1960, Britain granted Cyprus its independence, but the conflict
continued. There have been attempts to make both sides come together
since 1974, but it continues.
As we gaze upon our candle of peace, let us think upon those times when
knowledge and faith have overcome ignorance and delusion. As we worship
together, let us praise the creator of light and understanding. |
| |
| Scripture Reading: Luke 4:16-19 NIV |
| |
Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been
brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was
his custom And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was
handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” |
| |
|
Prayer for Peace by Gary McDonald, Blue
Springs, Missouri |
| |
Our Heavenly Parent,
Make us instruments of your peace. Let us realize in our heart of
hearts, and know in our minds that peace can be achieved only through
people.
Let every single living person desire peace in their hearts, peace in
their families, peace in their communities, and peace between nations.
Let us realize that peace depends upon each one of us putting into
action the art of peace.
The art of peace is putting the power of good will to work.
Lord, help us mature in our human relationships to see that peace is
sanity and common sense.
Peace is open-mindedness. It is a willingness to listen. It is looking
at both sides of a situation objectively.
Lord, let us be patient. Let us keep our tempers from rising. Let us
rise above petty irritations.
Let us avoid hasty and impulsive decisions.
Give us courage and the humility to admit mistakes and to take the blame
when we are wrong.
Lord, grant us vision to see possibilities.
Let us be willing to give and forgive.
Let us be willing to place the common good above our individual desires.
Let us see above all that you are that peace. Allow us a mighty faith in
your divine goodness and in our own potential.
Let us see that in Jesus is the peace that passes all understanding.
In Jesus’ Holy name we pray. Amen |
| |
|
Hymn - To Live at Peace with Others
- Sing for Peace #17 |
| |
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. |
| |
We have come to praise you this day, O God of all
nations and all peoples, by whatever name you are known. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
Forgive our sins of selfishness and pride, we humbly ask. Guide us into
the joy of being, and the desire of joyful peace for all peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
We pray particularly for the people of Cyprus this day. Help them to
continue their desire to avoid armed conflict. May we learn from them.
Help all people know that you are the God of all nations and the Parent
of all peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
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. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
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. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
| |
Hear our collective prayers, O God of Peace, that your peace may become
the peace of this world. Amen. |
| |
| Sending Forth |
| |
We conclude our service for 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.
Now may the God of all nations, kindreds, and peoples, guard you and
keep you to fulfill your desires to be a people of peace. Let us go
forth and be peacemakers in our world. Amen. |
| |
| Ministry of Music |
