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

Map of Iraq

Flag of Iraq
Iraq

Would you like to learn more about Iraq?
Visit Lonely Planet.
Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of Candle

Invitation
  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.
 
Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 18:2n
  Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit and you shall have peace in me.
 

Prayer for Peace by Sherry Southland
  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.
 

Hymn -  Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing - Sing for Peace #31
 
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.
  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
  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
  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
  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
  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
  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
  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
  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.
 
Sending Forth
  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.
 
Postlude