Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Would you like to learn more about Turkmenistan?
Visit
Lonely Planet. |
Turkmenistan
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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 joining us in worship and prayer. 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 Turkmenistan in our prayers. Located
in Central Asia, Turkmenistan achieved its independence with the
dissolution of the USSR in 1991. The President retains absolute control
over the country and opposition is not tolerated. Extensive
hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves could prove a boon to this
underdeveloped country if extraction and delivery projects can be worked
out. The country is sparsely populated and its people, the Turkmen, are
only a generation or two removed from being nomads. They place most
esteem on a rural life revolving around their famous, traditionally
patterned carpets, their ceremonies, hospitality and horses.
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 joining us in this service of
prayer. |
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| Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:38-48 INT |
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You’ve heard the commandment, ‘An eye for
an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, don’t resist an evil
person. When someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn and offer the
other. If anyone wants to sue you for your shirt, hand over your coat as
well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go two miles.
Give to those who beg from you. And don’t turn your back on those who
want to borrow from you.
You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor—but hate your enemy.’ But I
tell you, love your enemies and pray for your persecutors. This will
prove that you are children of God. For God makes the sun rise on bad
and good alike; God’s rain falls on the just and the unjust. If you love
those who love you, what merit is there in that? Don’t tax collectors do
as much? And if you greet only your sisters and brothers, what is so
praiseworthy about that? Don’t Gentiles do as much? Therefore be
perfect, as Abba God in heaven is perfect. |
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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 Turkmenistan 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
peacemakers of in our homes and communities. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
