Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
United
Arab
Emirates
Call to Prayer
Lighting of Candle
Invitation
Learn more about United Arab
Emirates?
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Today we will hold up the people of the United Arab Emirates in our prayers. The United Arab Emirates is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms, formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. The United Arab Emirates has become a major international business center and one of the most stable and untroubled countries in the Arab world, although there have been controversies to deal with. Border disputes among the emirates. Falling oil prices in early 1998 affected the government revenues, but more recently the UAE has developed an economy less reliant on oil revenues. The large expatriate labor force has raised issues of wages and working conditions, bringing into focus the rights of foreign workers. With its massively multicultural population, the United Arab Emirates is one of the most liberal and pluralistic countries in the Gulf region.
As we light our candle, may its flame cause us to open our minds, and challenge us to new avenues of peace as we worship together.
Prayer for Peace by Joyce Upsom, from the book Fresh Bread
For those of us who have an abundance of love, a bounty in heart and home, may we be mindful of the world's poor.
For those of us who carry hurts and angers and other heartaches, help us to feel the peace which only you can give and the grace to let go of long burdening memories.
For those of us who struggle with the lack of riches, who know what unemployment and empty pockets feel like, gift us with a counting of blessings which are often hidden and far more valuable than earthly treasure.
For those of us whose faith has grown dim, raise in our hearts a great yearning for you that will not cease, and a desire for the truth that cannot be ignored.
For those of us who are tired, weary, and worn out from constant generous giving of our lives in love, may you be our energy and enthusiasm, may you generate a deep spark of light and happiness within us.
For those of us who grieve the goodbye of a loved one and whose hearts are lonely this time of year, touch us with dear memories and transform the heartache into a vision of what lies far beyond this time and space.
For those whose lives speak of growing old, bless them again with peace and serenity, let them know what gentle witnesses they are to all of us who still ponder the meaning of life and growth.
And finally God, for those with young eyes, keep their hearts full of wonder. Thank you for slipping some of their delight and simplicity into our own hearts. Amen.
Hymn - We’re Singing a Peace Song - Sing for Peace #19
Please join us now, praying the Prayers of the People. During the moments of silence, you are invited to pray silently or meditate.
May the God of peace be with us as we go forth to be peacemakers in our world. Amen.