Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Iraq
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more about Iraq?
Visit
Lonely
Planet. |
Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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We greet you in the name of the
Prince of Peace who calls us to worship. Thank you for joining us in
prayer. 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 remember the people of Iraq in our prayers. Located in the
Middle East, Iraq occupies the ancient region of Mesopotamia, "land
amidst the rivers," a fertile lowland created by the Tigris and
Euphrates Rivers. Today these rivers sustain large areas of irrigated
farmland and one of the highest populations in the Middle East. Beneath
the land, Iraq is second only to Saudi Arabia in rich oil reserves. Iraq
gained independence in 1932 as a monarchy, but a 1958 coup brought a
series of military dictatorships.In 2002, the United States attacked
Iraq and toppled the regime. An interim government took charge in June
2004, but Iraq is a long way from stabilizing. The country's future
remains very tenuous.
On June 20, we celebrate World Refugee Day. This year, events around the
world focused on the fundamental need for protection. For some, this
means economic security; for others, protection is freedom from violence
and persecution. On World Refugee Day, we turn our attention to the
millions of refugees who live without material, social and legal
protection.
Let us lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation for peace
unto the ends of the earth as we worship our God. |
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| Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 18:2n |
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Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk
in the meekness of my Spirit and you shall have peace in me. |
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Prayer for Peace by Sherry Southland |
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Precious Creator,
Empower us to reach out and help others we may not know to help them
lead productive lives. Help us build schools to educate children and
adults so they may help themselves to lead happier and healthier lives.
May we be instruments of Your peace to those who are refugees in
war-torn places by bringing medicine, clothing, shelter, and food. May
we help to build homes for those
who are on the streets and need somewhere to live. To those who struggle
for their very
existence, may we comfort and affirm them by showing them how to raise
livestock and plant crops, so they can continue to live. May we respond
to their needs by teaching good nutrition and sanitation so that health
issues are addressed.
Bring us together as we learn about each other. Let us celebrate our
diversity as we transform our world together.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. |
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Hymn - Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing
- Sing for Peace #31 |
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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, you are the way of peace. Come into the
brokenness of our lives and our land with your healing love. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Help us to be willing to bow before you in true repentance, and to bow
to one another in real forgiveness. By the fire of your Holy Spirit,
melt our hard hearts and consume the pride and prejudice which separate
us. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Fill us, O Lord, with your perfect love which casts out fear, and bind
us together in that unity which you share with you and the Holy Spirit. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for all occasions which bring together people of different
traditions. We remember the people of Iraq and hear their cries for
peace. Move on the hearts of world leaders that they may also hear the
people’s cries and work towards peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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On this day, we remember the refugees who suffer the loss of their land,
their homes, and physical needs. May God bless each one as they seek to
find solace from the world. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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May our desires be a reflection of your plan for all creation as we ask
your blessing on our needs and concerns this day. |
| 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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We thank you and praise you for your love that sustains us, for wisdom
that directs us, and for desire that beckons us toward peace in our
world. In the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus, we pray. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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We will 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.
Let us go from this place and be the people of peace we are called to
be. |
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| Postlude |
