Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Saudi Arabia
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Welcome—we greet you in the
name of the God who has called us to worship together. 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 Saudi Arabia in our prayers.
Located in the Middle East, the discovery of oil in the 1930s
transformed Saudi Arabia. Below the arid desert landscape which covers
95% of the land, oil has made this desert kingdom one of the wealthiest
nations in the world. Saudi Arabia holds 25% of the world’s proven
reserve of oil. The mismatch between the job skills of Saudi graduates
and the needs of the job market, as well as constraints on employment
for Saudi women, are reasons for the large number of foreign workers.
Unemployment for Saudi males is high. A burgeoning population, aquifer
depletion, and an economy largely dependent on petroleum output and
prices are all major governmental concerns.
Let us unite as one in supplication to our God for guidance in
peacemaking. The God of peace will be with us. |
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| Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 INT |
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Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and
beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt
compassion, with kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with
one another; forgive whatever grievances you have against one
another—forgive in the same way God has forgiven you. Above all else,
put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect.
Let Christ’s peace reign in your hearts since, as members of one body,
you have been called to that peace. Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness.
Let the Word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you. Instruct and
admonish one another wisely. Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in
psalms, hymns and songs of the Spirit. And whatever you do, whether in
speech or in action, do it in the name of Jesus our Savior, giving
thanks to God through Christ. |
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Prayer for Peace by Natalie Kent, Queensland,
Australia |
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God of the earth:
Why is there so much anger in the world? Why is there so much hatred and
frustration and war? Why? Why? Why?
We ask these questions many times and maybe the only answer we can come
up with is that this is life and that we can't change it. But we can.
There must be a reason why life and people can be so cruel.
Help us take the time to discover the reason and solve the problems so
that harmony can return.
God, help us listen. We know we cannot fix the problems of everyone, but
help us heal the wounds of those who touch our lives.
Help us look beyond our own lives and step into another's shoes. Help us
listen without advice, to support them as they find the right avenues of
ministry.
Help us talk with others, listen to others, and heal others. Help us
start afresh.
Help us do something--now--before the world forgets that you are God.
And to you we give the honor and the praise and the glory. Amen. |
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Hymn - Rise Up, O Saints of God -
Hymns of the Saints #378 |
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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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Great God, Creator of all that is or has ever been, we
praise you. We thank you for all the blessings of this life: for family,
friends, and those who give particular meaning to our lives. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We confess our shortcomings before you, even our sins that prevent us
from being the persons you created us to be. Forgive us, we humbly pray,
and guide us into paths of truer discipleship. Help us to be the
peacemakers we yearn to be. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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We lift up before you the country of Saudi Arabia and its inhabitants.
May they know peace among themselves and with others. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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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 |
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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 prayer, O God, as we offer ourselves to be instruments of your
peace. Amen. |
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| Sending Forth |
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Sending Forth
We conclude our service for 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.
Jesus came to teach us of the love of the Father. The wonder of that
gift astounds us.
Go now and share that love in peace, and serve the Lord. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
