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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Welcome today to this sacred place, and thank you
for your gift of presence. 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 Qatar in our prayers. Located in
the Middle East, Qatar transformed itself from a poor British
protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with
significant oil and natural gas revenues. Oil and natural gas revenues
enable Qatar to have a per capita income not far below the leading
industrial countries of Western Europe. A new constitution in 2002
provided for an elected parliament and gave women the right to vote and
stand as candidates. Qatar is primarily a Bedouin culture, and the
tribal ethos is still strong in modern society. Bedouins (being nomads)
had a culture traditionally based on poetry and song rather than
buildings or art. However, the practical art of weaving has produced
some beautiful Bedouin artifacts, such as tents, rugs, cushions and
saddlebags.
It is good to meet in the name of the Prince of Peace who came to show
us the way to a better life. Thank you for coming to share in worship. |
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| Scripture Reading: Isaiah 54:10 NRSV |
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For the mountains may depart,
and the hills be removed; but my steadfast love shall not depart from
you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
says the LORD, who has compassion on you. |
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Prayer for Peace by Lu Mountenay,
Independence, Missouri |
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Creator God:
Where does peace live?
Does peace live in the diplomatic words between ambassadors; or
does it live in the humble activities of workers in the field?
Does peace live in the pleasing words of politicians;
or in the wealth of the earth, justly distributed?
Does peace live in the mighty metaphors of philosophers;
or in the deeds of the servant who helps her neighbor?
Can peace be determined by a global census;
or by an ecologically healthy plant?
Can it be measured by absence of war within and between borders;
or measured by the absence of those borders?
Can it be forced upon a people of power, prestige, and possession;
or instilled into open hearts by your sweet Spirit?
Lord, we know we must search for these answers by ourselves –
and we pray that you will encourage us to ask more questions... to ask,
and then to act. May we not pray for peace unless we are willing to work
for justice.
And then, in these prayers and in our willingness, may our motivation be
love;
may justice be our hope, may joy be our reward; when peace is our goal.
Amen. |
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Hymn - How Happy You Who Work for Peace!
- Sing for Peace #24 |
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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 nations and all peoples, by whatever name you
are known, we come before you in praise and thanksgiving. Guide us into
the joy of being and into the desire for joyful peace for all people. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Forgive our sins of selfishness and pride, we humbly ask. Great God, We
would also ask for your guidance as we try to live by your standards of
peace. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray particularly for the nation and people of Qatar this day. May
all people know that you are the God of all nations and the Parent of
all peoples. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We pray for the concerns of those gathered here today. Please guide us
as we seek your will. |
| 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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Hear our collective prayers, O God of Peace,
that your peace may become the peace of this world. 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 we have worshiped, praying for the peace that only God can give, let
us now go forth in the name of the One who teaches us peace, and become
makers of peace in our homes and communities. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
