Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Ireland
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Welcome to this sacred place,
and thank you for joining us in 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 Ireland in our prayers. Ireland is
located in Europe, an island off the coast of Great Britain. Ireland was
controlled by the Celts, Iron Age warriors from eastern Europe, for 1000
years; they left a legacy of language and culture that survives today.
The Great Famine of 1845-1851 led to mass starvation and set up a
pattern of emigration that continued well into the 20th century. South
Ireland was finally declared a republic in 1948 and left the British
Commonwealth in 1949. Instability in the north turned into major
conflict in the 1960s; the conflict known as “the Troubles” continued
until the late 1990s. After several attempts at a ceasefire, Northern
Ireland seems to have finally found peace. The Irish Republic Army
turned in its guns and ended its armed campaign in mid-2005. A
power-sharing agreement was successfully instituted in May 2007. The
economy continues to grow, creating challenges with increased
immigration and pressure on Ireland’s welfare and transport
infrastructure.
Let us unite our hearts, minds, and voices in praise as we seek new
avenues of peace for our time. |
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| Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:21-23 NCV |
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But the Spirit produces the fruit of love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
self-control. |
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Prayer for Peace by Bruce Lindgren,
Independence, Missouri |
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O God of Peace, we gather together today to share our
concerns for peace in the world you have created. We have been richly
blessed by your kind and loving Spirit, and we know that we have
possessions and comforts that are beyond the imagining of many of the
people in your world. At the same time we are restless, knowing that
true peace and true comfort come only from you.
Help us, O God, to hear the cries of the unfortunate and the oppressed.
May we seek to understand them as your son, Jesus, would understand
them. Help us to understand the lack of peace is within ourselves and
within those we meet. Help us to bring peace to each other. Help us to
understand those who live in fear. Help us to find ways to share your
peace with those who are far from us as well as those who are close by.
Teach us, O God, to be instruments of your peace. Encourage us to be
close to each other and closer to you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. |
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Hymn - Lord of All Nations - Hymns
of the Saints #467 |
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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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God of all the earth and those who dwell thereon, we
pray that the light of peace will heal the evil places of the earth. We
pray for those who suffer the destruction and desolation of war and
human selfishness. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We hold to your light of love and healing the children, youth, and
adults of Ireland. May they learn of your peace as we all work together
to establish peace in our world. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for courage to be your presence in actions of justice,
tenderness, and love. We ask for divine forgiveness when we have not
been compassionate or loving or just. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Hear us, O God, as we pray for all who are victims of abuse, neglect,
hatred, and war. May your light fill all the world. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We thank you God that in the midst of incredible difficulties many
people are sustained by courage and determination. Be with those
gathered here as we invoke your strength and guidance. |
| 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 lift our hearts and minds and voices in honor to you, Great God of
Peace. Fill us with your spirit of love, we humbly pray. Amen |
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| Sending Forth |
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We conclude our service today with ministry of music. We
invite you to remain in the quiet of this place to pray or meditate for
as long as you may wish.
Go now with God’s own peace. |
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| Ministry of Music |
