Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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It is good to welcome you 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 remember the people of Panama in our prayers. Shaped like
a recumbent S, Panama connects Central and South America. The Panama
Canal, built by the United States after Panama's independence from
Colombia in 1903, joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The canal was
officially handed over to Panama in January, 2000. Traditional arts
include wood carving, weaving, ceramics and maskmaking. Panama's present
government faces a legacy of economic crisis and soaring unemployment.
From different places and with different needs we have come to this
place. Yet, as we sit in the presence of God's spirit, we become one.
Welcome to this time of prayer for peace. |
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| Scripture Reading: Psalm 34:14 NRSV |
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Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace,
and pursue it. |
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Prayer for Peace by Anonomous Author |
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O Lord, our God, we come before you with praise and
thanksgiving for the beauty of your world. We are humbled at the
infinite mercy and grace that you bestow on us as a part of your
creation. You give each of us worth as people, and forgive us when we do
not live up to the potential that you have entrusted to us. Help us ever
to be more mindful of the needs of those around us--needs where we can
be your hands if we will take the time to seek you and be willing to
move out in faith.
We pray that we might be instruments of peace in a troubled world. We
pray for the leaders of all the nations of the world--that they may have
a desire for peace, that they might be enlightened to those ways that
can bring peace--that they can set aside greed and self-interest. We
come asking that your love and joy might touch our souls.
All around the world we lift our prayers for renewed courage, for
greater strength, and an endowment of your spirit that our discipleship
might be a positive influence in your world.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. |
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Hymn - We Are People of God’s Peace
- Sing for Peace #6 |
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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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We give thanks to you Lord God, and praise your mighty
works of peace. We thank you for our many blessings this day and pray
that your Holy Spirit will be with us as we seek to know and do your
will. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We confess to you our shortcomings. In your compassion forgive us our
sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone. We pray for the
special needs of those here gathered. Guide us, we humbly ask. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the victims of hunger, fear, injustice and oppression. Also,
we pray for all who are in danger, who sorrow, are sick or friendless.
Be near to them we ask. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray today for the people of the nation of Panama. We know that peace
is more than just the absence of conflict. Be with the people of Panama
and grant them the peace that only you may bring. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for all people in their daily life and work: for our families,
friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone. We pray for peace
and unity among the leaders of religions and nations and for all who
work for justice, freedom, and peace. |
| 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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In the name of the Prince of Peace, we 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.
As your hearts have been touched by the gentle spirit of peace, go, and
carry that touch to others. The God of Peace will be your guide. |
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| Ministry of Music |