Daily Prayer for Peace
1:00 p.m.
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Albania
Would you like to learn more about Albania?
Visit
Lonely
Planet.
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Gathering in Silence
Call to Prayer
Lighting of CandleInvitation |
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Welcome 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 hold up the people of Albania in our prayers. Located in
Southeastern Europe, Albania ended 44 years of communist rule in 1990
and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven
difficult as successive governments have tried to deal with high
unemployment, a dilapidated infrastructure, powerful organized crime
networks with links to high government officials, and disruptive
political opponents. In the 2005 general elections were considered an
important step forward. Albania has played a largely helpful role in
managing inter-ethnic tensions in southeastern Europe, and is continuing
to work toward joining NATO and the European Union. The agricultural
economy is growing thanks to remittances from Albanian workers
abroad—mostly in Greece and Italy.
May this time of prayer for peace bring to your soul the rest and
renewal and challenge that come from being in the presence of God. |
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| Scripture Reading: Psalm 9:7-11 IP |
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But you, Adonai, reign forever
and have established your throne of judgment.
You will judge the world in justice
and govern the peoples with equity.
For you, Adonai, are a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your Name trust in you,
for you have never forsaken those who seek you, Adonai.
Sing praise to Our God enthroned in Zion,
declare God’s work among the nations! |
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Prayer for Peace by Sharon J. Nesbitt,
Mountain Home, Arkansas |
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Hymn - We’re Singing a Peace Song - Sing
for Peace #19 |
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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 the universe
Creator,
of all creatures
Father,
of your children
Source,
of peace
We seek and search for peace in the turmoil and chaos of a broken world;
We look at your creatures and see violence and death; yet,
Each is responding to fulfill the measure of its creation.
Worlds without number we cannot comprehend;
We marvel at the precise order of the universe –
The sun, the galaxies and heavens.
As your children, we are to heal and strengthen one another; yet,
Too often, we wound and destroy.
We, in the midst of the pain,
Sit and absorb the beauty of a small pond,
The surrounding flowers drifting in the soft breeze,
Trees swaying, leaves rustling, birds singing, turtles swimming –
And once again, there is peace.
There is harmony, love, unity of sun, sky and earth;
There is gentle, soft assurance flowing within our hearts
Speaking peace, calm, serenity, wholeness.
Whole, once again, renewed and strengthened on the journey of peace by
God,
the Source,
the Power,
the Healer,
the Creator,
the loving Father.
Amen |
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| The People Pray in Silence |
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God of all the earth, and all of the earth's peoples, move in us as we
pray for peace. Great God we thank you and praise you. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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May the healing waters of your love baptize the hearts of people in
turmoil. We pray for Albania and its neighbors. May they follow you in
peaceful ways. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Use us to build, rather than destroy. Help us to know our role in
attaining peace with our neighbors. May our desires reflect your plan
for your human family. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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Forgive us, O God, when we have been warriors instead of peacemakers,
oppressors instead of allies, receivers instead of givers. Be our source
of strength. May we arm ourselves with confidence in your creative power
to move us from terror to trust. |
| The People Pray in Silence |
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May we be your peacemakers in our homes, our schools, our work. We now
pray for your guidance in world concerns and our own personal cares. |
| 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 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.
As you have rested in God's spirit of peace for these few moments, go
now and share that spirit in the lives of those you meet today. Amen. |
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| Ministry of Music |
