Daily Prayer for Peace
Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.

Map of Fijii

Flag of Fiji
Fiji

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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of Candle

Invitation
  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.
 
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
  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.
 

Prayer for Peace by Wallace B. Smith, Independence, Missouri
  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.
 

Hymn -  If by Your Grace I Choose to Be - Hymns of the Saints #432
 
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.
  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
  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
  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
  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
  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
  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.
 
Sending Forth
  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.
 
Ministry of Music