Daily Prayer for Peace  | |
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Daily Prayer for Peace
Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Fiji
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more about Fiji?
Visit
Lonely
Planet. |
Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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We greet you in the name of the
One who calls us to peace. Welcome to this time of 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 remember the people of Fiji in our prayers. A leader in
education and health among the small island nations of the Pacific
Ocean, the Fiji Islands comprise two main islands and more than 300
lesser ones, about a third of them inhabited. Fiji became independent in
1970, after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was
interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a
government perceived
as dominated by the Indian community. Amendments enacted in 1997 made
the constitution more equitable. Fijians still practice many traditional
arts and crafts, and the narrative meke performances and dance are still
strong.
Let us unite in our prayers for peace that we may be open to new paths
to pursue that peace. May God bless our worship. |
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| Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:14-16 NIV |
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You are the light of the world. A city on a
hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a
bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone
in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before all people,
that they may see your good deeds and praise your Creator in heaven. |
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Prayer for Peace by Wallace B. Smith,
Independence, Missouri |
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Creator God, how many ways can we pray for peace? Each
day we raise our voices here in this quiet space. We pray for a specific
place or many places. We remember a particular group and all humankind,
aware even as we pray that everyone, everywhere, ultimately yearns for
peace.
Each day our prayer is different and yet, always the same. We know that
the selfishness and greed, the inequity, and abuse of power that work
against peace are always present and always strong. Thus, our prayer
each day ascends to you with new passion and urgency, because the need
for peace is an ever present ache that daily reminds us of our need for
your healing, peace-giving love.
We pray this day for a peace made possible by fair and just leaders,
enlightened citizens, a sound economy, abundant food, and effective
health care, indeed, all the things you desire for your creation that
are denied to so many by wicked injustice and cruel circumstance.
God of all the Earth, forgive us our own actions and desires that, in
whatever way, contribute to strife and discord, inequality and wrong.
Make us more compassionate, more mindful of our obligations, and
strengthen our resolve to do that which we can do, to establish your
peace throughout the Earth.
In the name of Him who daily reminds us of your peace, even Jesus the
Christ, we pray. Amen. |
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Hymn - If by Your Grace I Choose to Be
- Hymns of the Saints #432 |
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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 Fiji, and for those who work for
justice, freedom, and 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 those gathered here 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 and 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 teach peace with justice, goodness, and
mercy, for your honor and glory. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
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