Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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El Salvador
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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We greet you the name of the Creator who calls us to peace, and
welcome today to this sacred place. Each day in this Temple, 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 El Salvador in our prayers. El
Salvador is located in Central America. El Salvador achieved
independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation
in 1839. The rich volcanic soils brought coffee plantations—with a few,
rich landowners and a subjugated peasant population. Economic inequality
led to the 1980-1992 civil war; many Salvadorans, rich and poor, fled to
the United States. The civil war, which cost the lives of some 75,000
people, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist
rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms.
El Salvador's democratic government shows success in adding
manufacturing jobs—but faces the challenges of poverty, crime, and
natural disasters.
Let us unite as one to seek wisdom and understanding in our quest for
peace in our time and for this world. Let us remember those places where
peace seems to have vanished, but undergirding all, let us worship our
God this day. |
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| Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:7 IV |
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The prophet Jeremiah says, “Seek the peace of the
city…and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye
have peace.” |
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Prayer for Peace by William J. Rounds,
Independence, Missouri |
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Eternal Father; -- Thou whose act of creation brought peaceful order
out of chaos, here in this special edifice dedicated to peace, we
petition thee and ask thy multiplying blessing upon our humble efforts
as peacemakers.
We long for a peaceful world; a world of justice and mercy; a world of
forgiveness and love. Remind us that such a world must begin in our own
hearts and minds; must spread through our families and then through an
ever-widening circle of friends, neighbors, communities and nations.
Forgive our unpeaceful acts of self-centeredness and greed, and
challenge us to try again to be more peaceful in all of our
relationships.
Grant us in our hearts that peace which passes understanding, and bless
us in our desire to share that peace with our neighbors throughout this
day.
This is our prayer in the name of the one who stilled the wind and waves
with a word, Amen. |
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Hymn - Touch Me, Lord, with Thy Spirit
Eternal - Hymns of the Saints #409 |
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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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We remember the poor, the dispossessed, the rich, the black, the
white, all the peoples of the earth whatever their nation, color, or
creed. May we all know peace, O God. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We thank you for so many things that give us pleasure: beaches,
mountains, valleys, fruits and flowers. Indeed, all nature celebrates
you, their creator, in desert or rain forest, on mountain or plain, in
summer as well as in our winter land. Thank you, O Lord, our God, for
all you have done to sustain us. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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May national pride for our country be tempered with the awareness of
injustice that rampant consumerism fosters and may our eyes be open and
our spirits willing to serve you by serving our neighbor, O God. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Thank you for the people who dwell in El Salvador, for in them we see a
reflection of all the races of the world. May they know the peace that
only you can bring to their lives. This day, make us aware that all your
people are to be loved and handled with care. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We honor and praise you for the guidance and wisdom your Spirit brings.
Bless us and hear our confessions and petitions we humbly pray so that
your peace will become the peace of this world. |
| 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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May we praise you with honor and glory forever and ever. 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.
Now may the God of peace go with you and be in all you do for peace.
Amen |
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| Ministry of Music |