Daily Prayer for Peace  | |
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Daily Prayer for Peace
Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Pakistan
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Welcome today to this sacred
place. 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 hold up the people of Pakistan in our prayers. Pakistan is
located in Southern Asia. The separation in 1947 of British India into
the Muslim state of Pakistan (with two sections West and East) and
largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved. A third war
between these countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan seceding and
becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. In response to Indian
nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998. The
dispute over the state of Kashmir is ongoing, but recent discussions and
confidence-building measures may be a start toward lessened tensions.
Agriculture is concentrated in the extensively irrigated Indus Basin.
Despite an increase in cotton, wheat, and rice production in the past
decade, feeding the growing population is a constant challenge.
We greet you in the name of the One who calls us to peace. Let us unite
in our prayers for peace that we may be open to new paths we may pursue
for that peace. May God bless our worship as we honor our Creator. |
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| Scripture Reading: Isaiah 35:1-2, 5-7, 8-10 NRSV |
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The wilderness and the dry land shall be
glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly.
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf
unstopped;
then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless
sing for joy.
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the
desert;
the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of
water.
A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way;
the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people.
No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come upon it,
but the redeemed shall walk there.
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with
singing. |
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Prayer for Peace by Cathi Cackler-Veazey,
Independence, Missouri |
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Our Creator, Sustainer, and Inner-most Friend,
We come to you today in the spirit of humility to acknowledge your great
power in each individual life, in the communities and corporations of
human design, in the governments of the nations, and in all things on
this terrestrial ball. We seek harmony in a world of chaos. We seek
peace where separation reigns. For we know that when people live in an
awareness of the connectedness of all things through your spirit, peace
is the natural result.
This prayer is for peace. Not the peace that is only resident in
signatures on pieces of paper. We know that there have been tens of
thousands of such treaties between nations through time. This is a
prayer for the peace that resides in the hearts of people, because we
know it to be a deeper, more lasting commitment. Such love transcends
differences. It brings those from many cultures and religions together.
The language of the world religions speak that unity. It is a oneness
that binds us in the mutual desire for peace. As the Christian would
say, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children
of God.” As the Buddhist would say, “When righteousness is practiced to
win peace, he who so walks shall gain the victory and all fetters
utterly destroy.” As the Jew would say, “How beautiful upon the
mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes
peace.” As the Hindu would say, “The noble minded dedicate themselves to
the promotion of peace and the happiness of others—even those who injure
them.”
God of all nations, though we look at you through separate eyes, let us
see the truth you share with each of us. Call us to accountability as
peacemakers. Strengthen us for the journey toward harmony. Bless us with
the vision of possibility. Amen. |
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Hymn - This Is My Song - Hymns of
the Saints #315 |
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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,
near and far, 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 Pakistan, and for those who work for
justice, freedom, and peace. Give them strength and courage that they
may continue their work in the face of adversity. |
| 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 here gathered 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 to 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 do peace with justice, goodness, and
mercy, for your honor and glory. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
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